Hercules Mandarin
Five piece band from the West Coast of Scotland, apparently sounds like filthy epic rock n roll. As soon as I logged on to their page I noticed that they had 8 gigs in September alone and had some Chinese writing, wait for it, wait, oh yes Hercules MANDARIN? Was that a clue?
Track - Kats
Starts nicely, middle of the road rock with a Scottish accent on the vocals, more Biffy Clyro than the Proclaimers. The opening guitar is nicely played and the recording is of good quality but then they are a signed band so I wouldn´t expect anything less. While the song has a soft gentle beat all the way through I am utterly turned off by the country and western touches to this otherwise decent track. It feels like eating lasagne only to find out it´s actually quorn, it needs more meat. A heavier backbeat may not be the direction they are going for with gigs in Borders but I for one would appreciate it more.
Track - A Convenient Distraction
Starts slightly like a Britney Spears ballad with some child like piano, anticipation starts to grow when the string comes in, then it all stops, on no wait here it is again. Then silence, little too long I almost slapped my modem! Heavy guitar comes in as well now with some drums this song is getting into a decent flow. Some vocals come in as the song takes another easy middle road rock sound. To be honest my favourite parts of this song are the musical interludes. The lyrical content adds little to this track and should be redone keeping the backing track exactly the same.
Track - Missed Opportunities
Far heavier and faster pace than the first two tracks, this time the lyrical content is better thought out. Great display of drumming in this track, given the first two the drummer must have been itching to get stuck in and work up a sweat. Great quality sound to this track and is at some points almost reminiscent of Jimmy Eats World´s first outing.
Verdict
Hercules Mandarin sound like a well polished outfit that I´m sure will make a success in the middle of the road market and I would have written them off as a coffee shop band had I not heard their track Missed Opportunities which for me is probably the only reason to log onto their page. The first two tracks are instantly forgettable and the second needs some serious rework on the writing front. Worth a click of the mouse but not enough to suggest making the trip to Paisley is a smart move without hearing more.
Links - Hercules Mandarin MySpace
Reviewed by Scottish Steve
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