Waterford - Say OK

Wed 23rd Nov, 2011 in Music Reviews

Canberra locals Waterford have given themselves a head start for the future with their very intelligent and well constructed debut LP Say OK ( Birds Love Fighting Records ). Featuring solid bass hooks, intelligent brit-pop vocals and tightly played guitar, this album offers the listener a delightful experience.
Produced by Bruce Callaway, the overwhelming impression from the album is of an incredibly self-aware band, with a talent for writing situations, not tunes.

For those unfamiliar with the band, a quick Google search will inform you that they have been active in the local Canberra scene for a while. Forming in late 2007, the guitar, bass, drum setup has toured extensively, supporting bands such as Oh Mercy, Crayon Fields and Lazy Susan. Described as having well-performed, energetic live performances, it is easy to tell from the LP that Waterford offer a very solidly built, intelligent brand of indie-rock, reminiscent of 90’s pop-rock championed by the ‘The’ bands: Shins, Kinks and Smiths. It is hard to believe that they have only been together for four years: the sound they offer on this album is incredibly well-formed and mature. Waterford have already gathered a strong following in the Canberra scene, and this debut should help to vastly increase their following.

Starting out with Tomorrow Again (Track 1), Waterford manage to make a strong statement about their level of talent and musical skill from the outset. A tightly played introduction provides the attention grab, instantly drawing the listener into the sound offered by the band. A two-and-a-half minute journey through the ability of the four members, it offers a guitar solo, hopeful and catchy lyrics, as well as a melodic guitar/bass combination. A song that makes you want to dance.

The already released Reasoned (Track 3) is a more ‘traditional’ rock tune with powerful cymbals and nice guitar. Its thoughtful melody and insightful lyrics deliver a largely nostalgic story about the blossoming of doubt and confusion that comes from feeling too lucky in love. The song’s theme and sound align perfectly, providing a delightful experience, which is like honey in the ears. Except much less sticky.

Track number five, Drawingboard, according to the handy ‘thematic key’ on the album insert, is concerned with adulthood (‘encroaching/otherwise’). The track features a drum lead in, introducing bass, guitar, then the melodic voice of Glen Martin. Throw in a guest violin, and you have a very catchy, tightly played exploration of the first realisations of unhappiness and failings within your family. The melodic tune evokes a scene of a family in the 70’s, coupled with the feeling you get from riding a bike.

The final track on the album Sails & Raft is as strong as the ten before it. It’s a dreamy tune about moving through hard times, and getting better, a 2:45 promise that Waterford will continue to perform. Catchy lyrics and building melodies, with the guest violin played by Sarah Davis seal the deal: these guys know how to write an album full of individually meaningful and well formed songs.

In Say OK Waterford have presented a well-written, catchy indie rock debut, heavily influenced by 90’s brit-pop. Replace the references to Canberra with ones of Camden Town, and one could be forgiven for believing that this four member band hails from England. The intelligent and at times deeply philosophical lyrics are refreshingly delightful, and with the the mood-reflecting melodies, this LP is sure to be on high rotation everywhere.