Album Review: The Amber Herd – Our Only Eden

It seems wherever I have looked this summer all I have seen is The Amber Herd playing local gigs, festivals and popping up all over my social media. They either have a fantastic PR team or are proper hard working artists. The one thing I hadn’t done is actually hear any of their music so I jumped at the chance to review their first full album Our Only Eden. Their media release teases us images of ‘swirling soundscapes’ and a varied support slot list (The Delays, That Petrol Emotion, Ultrasound)  and also reveals the that Our Only Eden is a concept album! “Oh dear” many of our older readers may say but bear with this album and you may be pleasantly surprised.

It starts with Three Ring Circus which eases you in introducing talented musicians, a rangy vocal and a Mid-American sound. Red Gold is reminiscent of 80’s U2 in a good way and Another River  continues the 80’s vibe with a mellower simple minds-esque sound which continues into Tinman. A pattern is developing….so let’s take it as read from here that the album is 80’s sounding guitar led pop and I can focus more on enjoying the talent on display. Kite, for example, highlights the build musically they like to use, starting with simple acoustic guitars and keyboard and building to a really full sound with distorted electric guitars and heavy drumming and bass. In Stage Fright Neil Beards uses his fragile higher vocals to good effect. Leaving home starts off hauntingly and features some strong lyrics and then In To Land is a hugely atmospheric finale that is probably my favourite track on the album.

Not sure I picked up swirling soundscapes, more clean and defined images…largely of 80’s guitar pop which is by no means a criticism as this is very de rigueur at the moment. You certainly can’t say they are breaking new ground but they are treading a well worn path very purposefully and with aplomb. Indeed it is difficult to believe this is the band’s first full length release as it feels very accomplished and like a third or fourth album by a veteran group. I would need to hear it a few more times to pick up the whole concept elements but that is something I am willing to do for the pure musical and lyrical enjoyment. I expect we will all be hearing a lot more from these guys and I look forward to it.

Review by RedDom