Kirsty Armitage
Taking Hayley, an exciting pop-rock group formed in November 2010, have released their debut album Tricks and Games. Taking influence from the likes of Paramore, All Time Low & You Me at Six, the 4-piece wasted little time in making an impression on the local music scene, juggling studio time and shows with tireless promotion, they have been dubbed ‘One of the most hard-working bands around at present’ (Ourzone Magazine).
You may have heard of the Birmingham band from recent tours with the likes of The Summer Set, McFly and A Day Overdue. Similarly, the two singles released from Tricks and Games, ‘Circles’ and ‘Up All Night’, have already gained airtime on Kerrang!TV and Scuzz.
Continuing their meteoric rise, December 2011 saw Alistair Keenan (lead vocals/ lead guitar), Levi Keeling (guitar / backing vocals), Jay Murphy (drums) and Tom Paton (bass guitar) sell out their first ever headline show at the Sound Bar. They have since sold out another headliner at the Birmingham O2 Academy 3 – a telling achievement at such an early stage in their young careers.
Tricks and Games, release on the 4th of August 2012, will no doubt be on the lips of pop-rock fans everywhere soon. Having joined the pop-rock fan base back in the 90’s, I’ve heard my fair share of catchy tunes, but was genuinely taken aback at just how good this album sounded.
A surprisingly mature first production featuring balanced, clean tracks of excellent quality, Tricks and Games comes out baring a strong resemblance in tone and execution to the much-loved We the Kings. Bouncy, melodic numbers like ‘Better Luck Next Time’ and ‘Butterflies’ will fast become staples among the pop-rock devoted, while tracks like ‘From Now Until Forever’ expose wise lyrics, passionate guitar riffs and beautifully married thrumming bass and drum beats.
The album features one too many interludes for my own preference (annoying on a shuffle playlist), but other than that I whole-heartedly congratulate the Birmingham boys on what is, to my mind, an astonishing achievement in little over 2 years.
Keep an eye open for the September ‘Tricks and Games Tour’. The tour sees the 4 piece take their beat laden, melodic rock to 11 academy venues in cities across the UK. Be sure to check out the UK’s latest in pop-rock talent!
‘Tricks and Games Tour’ full dates:
September
1st BIRMINGHAM, Ballroom
2nd NOTTINGHAM, Rescue Rooms
3rd NEWCASTLE, O2 Academy 2
4th EDINBURGH, Liquid Rooms
5th GLASGOW, Classic Grand
6th MANCHESTER, Dry Bar
7th SHEFFIELD, Corporation
8th LONDON, O2 Academy 2
9th NORWICH, B2
11th SOUTHAMPTON, Joiners
12th BRISTOL, O2 Academy 2
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