Self proclaimed “ballsy indie band”, Heavy Set Bayonet return with their second four track EP, entitled Talk to Me, Tell Me. The Derry based four piece have been busy attempting to build on the success of their previous record, Remember All The Bits. They teamed up with Derry’s Mik O’Connell in the Blast Furnace, the result of which is clear as Talk To Me, Tell Me sends HSB a step further up the musical ladder.
The basis of the band hasn’t changed much since Remember All The Bits but they have definitely developed a more refined, professional sound. Opening track, Thorns is a dark yet poppy sounding tune which bares a stark resemblance to The Pigeon Detectives, especially the vocals provided by Damien McLaughlin. Lyrically, the song is simple yet quite powerful as McLaughlin belts out “I am your sweet tooth, your ghost and your witness. I’m just a better version of yourself .”
The main problem I’ve had with HSB, is that often their music lacks originality. Mr. Hyde is the first time that this hasn’t held true. Unfortunately, originality isn’t always a good thing. Musically, the song is very catchy full of screeching guitar riffs and pulsating drums but vocally, McLaughlin is weak. Despite being brilliant in Thorns, it’s clear that his voice hasn’t matured as quickly as the sound has, leaving this song in limbo. The potential is evident, but the execution is poor.
His Healing Appetite and No You Can’t provide further evidence that Heavy Set Bayonet are not quite ready for world domination. Both songs see a return of the comparisons with Two Door Cinema Club and the Arctic Monkeys but both songs seem to peter out in nothingness. There is enough evidence overall to indicate that HSB are definitely maturing as a band, however, there is definitely a lot of room for improvement. I would recommend they read Jim Carroll’s excellent piece in the Irish Times today which states that “the moral of 2011 for aspiring musicians is that it takes time.”