CD Single Review (1)

Somewhere / The Rush (double A side)

by Matthew Callanan
Turbulence Promotions
www.turbulencepromotions.co.uk

Somewhere

The amazing ‘What is Life For?’ kick off their debut album with an awesome double A side that, after hearing it, you will only hope is a sign of things to come. The opening track on a CD like this usually defines a band - it shows who they are, who they want to be and where they are going and with an opening track named “Somewhere” it is ironic that this is exactly where the band is headed - somewhere great.

You get a few seconds to sit in wonder as the track starts, before the song decides to kick you square in the eardrum (in a good way!) and goes on to show the world that it means business. I have to admit that there haven’t been that many songs in the last few years that have really got my head bobbing or foot tapping so quickly as ‘Somewhere’ did.

The Vocals are amazing and are set between what can only be described as power - not just the powerful guitars or powerful bass or drums - simply pure, raw, unfiltered, rock formed energy that, in my opinion, fills a void that the UK have in their music and until now have hoped the USA would supply us with. If What is Life For? can perform anything even close to this type of musical genius on stage - they will be able to get any crowd jumping in unison and screaming along to the catchy lyrics.

The almost metal like solos by Nick Bowen reminded me of the high intensity guitar sound of Dragonforce (without the over the top harmonies) whilst his staggering vocals were more like those of Brandon Boyde (Incubus) or Nate Barceló (Finch) and, despite their major differences, they provide a near perfect mix that both compliments and enhances each other especially when the drum and bass lines give such incredible depth to the track as Lee Warren and Alex Long take the listener for a ride that they will be begging to take again and again.

Summary -

I have been hearing a lot of good things about ‘What is Life For?’ and the hype could have led them to a massive fall with their first track. Not only does “Somewhere” make sure that they don’t fall but these guys are flying away.

8/10