The Strange Death Of Liberal England - Drown Your Hearts Again Album Review

Drown Your Hearts Again is the first full length album from Strange Death Of Liberal England. The Pompey five piece must be hoping that their fortunes go slightly better (ok a hell of a lot better) than their local football team Portsmouth. TSDOLE are one of those bands that create some great pieces of music but never seem to get the accolades to back it up.

Each song has been carefully crafted and the result is a set of songs perfectly entwined into 'Drown Your Hearts Again' It's not just about the music, everything that these guys have put into it from writing the lyrics on a scrap piece of paper to the wonderful finished article.

Every time you listen to 'Drown Your Hearts Again' you'll notice something that you missed the last time you heard it. One of the highlights to TSDOLE's music is Adam Woolway who has a distinctive and unique vocal. It's refreshing not to be able to compare his voice to that of another frontman and it's safe to say his voice is the perfect complement to the multilayered musical arrangements.

It's been known for a few cynical old writers to say that there are two things that can make or break an album, the first Single and the opening track on the album; well, as far as TSDOLE are concerned they have nothing to worry about, 'Flickering Light' has to be one of the best tracks on the album.

Another highlight comes in 'Rising Sea' this was the first track to be released as a single and it's a phenomenal piece of work. Both this and the album opener make the listener wonder if the band recruited an orchestra or extra people playing with them because there is just so much depth. It's hard for the brain to register all at once but once heard these two tracks will be on constant repeat on your MP3 player. The journey continues with 'Flagships' a perfectly placed track that raises your spirit, it has a warm feeling that just gives you that uplifting feeling; if only coffee was as good as this.

Strange Death Of Liberal England shift it up another gear with the speedy 'Curtain Falling' it's so toe-tappingly addictive you should keep a mindful eye on the speedometer if you listen to this whilst driving.

Quality flows through the album in every aspect of the word 'Lighthouse' has it all, a tricky arrangement and Adam Woolway's astonishing vocal made stronger with the rest of the band adding their own vocals, this band have in essence come of age.

'Autumn' is a very apt name as you can't help but picture leaves slowly drifting from the trees, it's a cold but comforting feeling. 'Yellow Flowers' slows the pace and works as an opportunity to take four minutes to just reflect and listen.

The award for the best named track has to go to 'Dog Barking On The Moon' pure brilliance. This brings Drown Your Hearts Again to a close and it's hard to believe that this album is only ten tracks long. TSDOLE really take the listener on a journey with their debut, every song is a perfectly made piece of art that is well worth exploring.



4/5

Mark Moore