Tags: The Mojo Fins, The Sound That I Still Hear

Fresh from the seas around Brighton, the Mojo Fins debut album is released in memory of former bandmate Jon Chandler who died in a road-traffic accident in 2007. ‘First Conversation’ is a great opener with keyboard chimes, speedy percussion matched by gentle backing harmonies, as Stephen Brett sings like a sound-alike of the Manic Street Preacher’s James Dean Bradfield, another man who knows all too well of the pain of losing a front-man and friend. New single ‘In The Script’ nods to John Fogerty in lyric but forges its own path of semi-folk pop with up-tempo beat employing more key changes than a Westlife CD, but the discourse that risks its easy-listening credentials succeeds in exposing the band’s strengths, particularly agile guitar work. The odd track unfortunately carries a coffee-chain ambience but most are closer to Magic Numbers territory with real, uplifting pop-rock. ‘Trick of Light’ is simple, standout and slightly Ryan Adams in tone, painting a picture of a grey Brighton with people still sunbathing. The lyrics are colourful and unmistakably personal given the band’s circumstances but skip any wallowing to deal with dejection with the hope of another chance. The glass has never been so half-full.

The Sound That I Still Hear - The Mojo Fins, 7.5 out of 10 based on 2 ratings

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