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Elly Roberts reviews
Korova Records (Warner Music UK Ltd)
- Cat.no: KODE1002
- Released: March 2006
- Rating: 10/10
The Storys are the best band to come out of Wales in a long, long time.
It’s not only me who seems to rate them. Elton John has recruited them for his 11-datestadium and arena tour this summer: ‘Sir Elt’ has a knack of spottingreal talent: James Blunt, Scissor Sisters and Anastacia have all supportedhim. “They have made a fantastic debut album, and I am really excited thatthey will be playing with me on tour”, says Elton.
Comprising Steve Balsamo vocals/guitar, Andy Collins v/bass, Dai Smithv/g, Rob Thompson v/g, Brian Thomas drums/percussion and Alan Thomaskeys/mandolin/banjo, and on the evidence of this sensational debut they’redestined for a big future.
Embracing the best of 60s / 70s west-coast influences such as Crosby StillsNash and Young, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac (and The Beatles) they’ve addedtheir own 21st Century twist.
Immaculately constructed songs with Californian sunshine, the six-piececombo have delivered a sumptuous debut sure to make most radio playlists.Catchy hooks, golden melodies run amok across the 11 tracks.
With four singer-songwriters playing their part and alternating lead vocalsthen performing backups, they present a formidable sound as the openingtrack I Believe In You sets the tone, a classic CSN&Y sound-alike, as islater Roll Like A Stone. Be By Your Side could well be Fleetwood Mac attheir most melodic.
Elsewhere, there’s a slight hint of Pink Floyd on High Enough as the trackexplodes into a glorious crescendo, highlighting their collective talents.
McCartney and Lennon could well be the inspiration for You’re Not Around, agentle strum-lead ballad. There’s just enough’ boy-band’ vocal appeal on thesoaring ballad Journey’s End to make it a huge hit.
The Daily Telegraph wrote, “Every track is a polished gem”, which they are.
The band has played many live radio sessions for the BBC including Radio 4’sLoose Ends, Radio 2’s Janice Long and Bob Harris who said, “Wonderfulsongs, great playing and instinctively beautiful harmonies. The album isgem”.
Bob should know.
Weblink:The Storys.co.uk
The full list of tracks included are :
1. I Believe In You
2. Be By Your Side
3. Cinnamon
4. High Enough
5. You’re Taking My Heart Away
6. You’re Not Around
7. Roll Like A Stone
8. Save Me
9. The King Of Broken Dreams
10. Journey’s End (Show Me Love)
11. Is It True What They Say About Us?
Elly Roberts passed away in 2011, but he was a man who was so passionate about all types of music and loved meeting his musical heroes, such as Mick Hucknall at a book signing at the Trafford Centre, Manchester in 2007.
A former teacher and also a music journalist, DJ and radio presenter on local community station Calon FM, plus appearances on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Radio 2, Elly started doing reviews for DVDfever.co.uk in 2004 and he did the majority of the CD and concerts reviews on the website.
I know also that he loved getting away for the summer to Spain and I hope that wherever he is now he is enjoying the hot sunshine and, as one of his friends has said on his Facebook page, that he is interviewing his musical heroes.