Alice by the Moon - The Checks

I was completely unaware of The Checks' first album Hunting Whales. In fact I was completely unaware of the band completely until an invitation to their ZM Live Lounge set during NZ Music Month. A quick look at the band's website quickly convinced me of their pedigree - they've opened for such big names as REM and The Killers - and I quickly signed up to come along.

Well... so good was that gig that I quickly acquired the album.

The second album is always said to be the tricky one, and if that's true I cannot wait to go and discover their original offering. The album is blues-rock driven and completely compelling - it won't be leaving my car rotation for weeks!

Highlights include:

• You and Me - A catchy rock song lamenting the inevitable attraction to the bad girl [or boy!]
• Crows - Starting with a grungy guitar riff it just grows! Much heavier than the previous track, Crows has a brilliant chorus with awesome harmonies that you'll be caught singing at the lights.
• Ballroom Baby - Again kicking off with a great guitar lick, this track gives singer Edward Knowles a chance to show a softer side to his voice and also his range.
• Back of the Restaurant - Solo bass guitar starts us off once more (seeing a pattern here?) and Knowles' vocals switch easily from soft to hard. Queen-like vocal harmonies from the other band members compliment yet another catchy tune.
  *It's worth noting at this stage that these are four of the first five tracks on the album!*

Given the four tracks above that I'm picking as some highlights are all within the first five tracks on the album, I'm going to give up at this point and tell you that every track is solid! Well honed harmonies, vocal work, guitar and drums, as well as some damned fine (and catchy) tunes are everywhere throughout this album. (Any Man Here Will Run You In, Till the Dance is Over and Holy My Head are other favourites).

Some elements brought a few comparisons to mind including The Beatles, Jet, Franz Ferdinand and Midnight Might though while the later would fall closer to pop, The Checks definitely spill into the rock category.

One of the best albums of the year to date. Just you try and stop me from Hunting Whales!

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5 Stars