By Jay Julier
If you’re not from ‘up North’ then these boys might be new to you. But let me be the first to say this will not be the last you hear of the band ‘Tall Trees’.
The seed was sown in Greater Manchester where this alternative/indie rock foursome first formed from the splinters of previous projects such as ‘Smudge’. ‘Inflight’ and ‘Yes Sensei’. I say splintered because, having listened to all of the afore-mentioned groupings, it seems the sharpest, clearly influential and committed members have moved on and become a part of this project. Heavily influenced by classic rock and punk, through to more recent greats like ‘Biffy Clyro’, the boys have put themselves in good stead to build a substantial fanbase.
Busy touring for the latter part of 2010, getting the name ‘Tall Trees’ on as many people’s lips as possible, the boys are looking for a more widespread gigging repertoire and if their EP ‘Alexandria’ is anything to go by, it seems this won’t be an issue!
Their music is a recognisable hit within current trends not too far dissimilar from that of ‘Lost Prophets’ or even ‘Fall Out Boy’. However, there is an air of individuality not often seen in bands just starting out within this genre. Yes their influences are a clear line, but the songs contain a signature feel- this is not just another wannabe rock act.
Alexandria the title track is a catchy upbeat rock tune. The vocals are strong and distinctive against a dominant, but not overwhelming, rhythm section and melodic riffs. This is very much a tune for tapping along to your steering wheel with and gaining one too many odd looks from ‘almost head-banging’ at roundabouts. The only downfall is it is as not as distinctive as the other two tracks in pace and possibly one of the other tracks would have been a better title track to really set ‘Tall Trees’ apart from every other upcoming rock outfit.
On Your Marks has a somewhat ‘Go:Audio’-esque feel to it. The emphasis on the vocals within the intro, before dropping into the rhythm section again. Overall, this is a good track- lured in with gentle tones at the beginning before the strong chorus. Again another indicator that Tall Trees are something to look out for.
Join The Living is by far the strongest track, the punk and heavier edge is just naturally more appealing. There is also more scope for pure originality here and a mix of this genre with the rest would provide a fantastic live set.
All in all, ‘Tall Trees’ are definitely an up-and-coming rock outfit worth looking into. Check out the EP as well as the guys online at www.talltreesofficial.co.uk
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