After listening to ‘Frozen Bones’ the four track EP by Window Seats it would be hard to believe that they are from Belfast. They have been around for quite sometime now, and it shows on the EP as they have perfected the soft punk rock sound which more associated with acts hailing from the West Coast of America.
While evidently good musicians there is something left to be desired by this rather unremarkable EP, disappointing since much of their earlier work was worth singing about. Each track has a certain blandness about it, stemming from the generic lyrics and run-of-the-mill music composition. Worthy of praise however is the third track, ‘Try Hard‘, which stands out among the other tracks for its delightfully cheerful tone and somewhat stereotypical punk lyrics about an elusive woman who is simply too wonderful for the ordinary boys.
No punk EP or album is complete with a song of this nature and Window Seats really carry it off well. It is possibly the least punkish of all the songs on the album and it is without doubt the most impressive. Perhaps it would benefit the band to ditch the mild element of punk found in ‘Rat‘ and ‘Local Superhero‘ and embrace the always daunting pop rock sound as popularised by the likes of BellX1 and Nickleback to name just two entirely different examples. It seems ironic that the best song on the EP is called ‘Try Hard’ as it does seem that they are trying hard to avoid a sound that its much commercialised, but which their style and vocals may suit more than any other genre.
Overall those who already know the band in their live capacity will be disappointed by the translation of some of their better loved songs on to this recording, especially when they are a band of great ability and charm and have produced much more impressive recordings in years gone by.