The Race

The ethos of the Race is to produce ‘uplifting and affirming music’. There are many ways to achieve this and The Race have elected to ply their wares in the more commercial side of alt rock re The Editors, Longview and even the Killers. This genre has been much maligned much to it’s association with such pretentious drivel as the likes of Coldplay and Snow Patrol, a genre where many of the bands strive for commercial success and in so doing dilute any originality and zest they may have possessed. Yet it is unwise and incorrect to tar all bands with the same brush and too many journalists have dismissed such acts as copying a stagnant scene.

I believe the Race are different having witnessed the bands progression through constant gigging and their enthusiasm and involvement in this country’s DIY underground. There is no doubt they are committed to success but they have battled hard over their year’s inception to come up with a sound that encapsulates their original ethos. This second single comes on the back of airplay from Radio 1 and XFM, support slots with Supergrass and Fun Lovin’ Criminals and being lauded by both the NME and Fly.

‘Amersham Road’ contains Dan’s emotionally strained vocals which gain credence when coupled with the authenticity of the songs subject matter, his (and Graeme's) work with dysfunctional youth on this road in his hometown of Reading. The vocals are interjected with spells of crushing, distorted guitar which hints at their more esoteric influences of the Jesus and Marychain and MBV whilst still maintaining the feel of a breezy radio friendly vibe. It is certainly ‘uplifting’ and the crashing finale is both ‘joyous and affirming.’

‘Hope Song’ is darker with its ‘Cure-like’ guitars and atmospherics and Dan’s lyrics are more focused and direct. The Race again display their ability to build a song which is not chorus based but progressively fulfilling and spiritual. Do yourself a favour; don’t listen to the hacks listen to the music.

Amersham Road/Hope Song 4/5
This is how to do big carousing pop songs, demented epic and number 1 if Robbie Williams ever covered it.

Crisp clean big heroic brave bright uplifting anthemic indie rock that tastes of the positive sides of The Cure and U2 and unashamedly big things like that , The Race do it with a refreshingly impressive style, a grand view of hope and aspiration.