When an artist switches genre in
a sudden and drastic fashion (we’re all aware of the Bob Dylan acoustic to
electric hoopla) it really does cause considerable bother for a lot of people.
Now, those people are mainly fans of the original genre and the band/singer
that is making the change, who is often condemned as having ‘abandoned’ their
loyal listeners. Usually, a lot of misguided hatred is directed their way due
to such an ‘unthinkable’ decision, particularly from keyboard warriors with a
misplaced sense of being ‘hard done by’ who probably aren’t half as big a fan
as they claim to be.
The fact is that there is a
severe lack of understanding surrounding reasons for throwing such a curveball
at a career (especially one that seems to be going so well). Imagine having a
day job that you lack the passion for or even find getting out of bed for a
tragic struggle (which can’t be hard for a certain percentage of people – we’ve
all been there). Now, being a the frontman of a successful hardcore punk band
isn’t exactly in the same league as cleaning the streets or working behind a
checkout, but if your heart really isn’t in the day job, who are we to judge
somebody who is willing to make a stand?
It took a lot of guts for Frank
Carter to leave Gallows and even more guts to make the transition into an
arguably more mainstream alternative rock sound with new band Pure Love, not
just because he risked the wrath of many, but also because he stepped
comprehensively out of his comfort zone by exchanging raspy screams, shouts and
howls for the soulful (and surprisingly accomplished) tones of clean singing. Enlisting
guitarist Jim Carroll (formerly of The Hope Conspiracy and Suicide File), Pure
Love was born and soon Frank became vocal about his newfound creative haven
with his position in the new band.
When the first snippets of the
new direction emerged online (firstly with live footage and eventually with the
arrival of debut single ‘Bury My Bones’), many were dubious, perhaps worried
that the material didn’t have enough punch for it to really make as much of a
desired impact. It took a while, but the arrival of the full length is sure to
eradicate all doubts about whether Frank’s decision to turn his back on Gallows
was a good decision for him as an artist.
‘Anthems’ opens with ‘She (Makes
The Devil Run Through Me’), where classic British rock guitars and Frank’s
mature vocals combine to show off the new found passion. Nostalgic and
divisive, the adult themes running through this track make it a perfect
introduction to what Pure Love are about – intelligent, relatable music. ‘Bury
My Bones’ was the first we heard of this band, and it’s arguably a box ticker
for fans of alternative rock (despite the chord pattern gaining comparisons to
The Darkness – which I think is a compliment). Frank’s vocals continue to
impress on ‘The Hits’, his lyrical approach dealing with love, lust and the
passions of life (a polar opposite to much of his anger and resentment in the
songs of Gallows). Inspiring choruses are here in abundance, and the classic
rock and roll guitars feel fresh and modern.
‘Anthem’ has a slow and steady
approach, with Frank’s vocals being isolated and smooth. Blues rock, the
jangling of a piano and clear jazz influences make this track a fun ride. It’s
captivating and builds to a flurry of intensity. ‘Beach of Diamonds’ is sun
drenched and simple, but with some of the biggest hooks on the record so far.
It’s not particularly exciting (a fairly standard verse/chorus pattern) but the
positive messages give off good vibes. ‘Handsome Devils Club’
is edgy and even quite amusing (with some definitive tongue-in-cheek lyrics), channelling
sex and lust into a solid rock track. ‘Heavy Kind Of Chain’ is a delicate rock
ballad with vocal driven melodies aplenty. Grunge and indie influence this,
despite the introduction of pianos and strings, which add distinct depth to
proceedings.
‘Burning Love’ is enthralling,
dirty and soaked with sex and violence, the emotive lyrical content depicting
lust and love in ways erotic authors can only hope to. It’s true to life and
that’s what strikes a chord, the honesty of Pure Love being one of their main
appeals. ‘Scared to Death’ is captivating yet goes through the motions without
many risks while ‘Riot Song’ pushes the boundaries with a unique take on a
summer festival anthem. Closing track ‘March Of The Pilgrims’ is a large scale
rock song with more nostalgia than you can shake a stick at, making it a great
listen for fans of many genres and eras of guitar music.
Pure Love’s debut album ‘Anthems’
is just that, a record packed full of fist-pumping good times that would be the
perfect accompaniment to a cold beer on a summer’s evening, preferably at a sun
soaked festival. It’s a feel good, uplifting affair with a streak of Brit-pop
attitude running through its core, and although that won’t be to everybody’s
taste, it never feels cliché at any moment. The songs are just simple, no
frills rock and roll with an honest essence that makes them feel that much more
enjoyable. Bucking the trend and kicking habits of a lifetime doesn’t seem to
have been as disastrous a decision as it initially appeared for Frank Carter,
and the longevity of him as an artist has certainly increased with this string
being added to his bow. Pure Love are a band that will appeal to many, and fans
from both ends of the genre spectrum are encouraged to give ‘Anthems’ a listen.
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