Switches - 'Heart Tuned To D.E.A.D' (Atlantic) Released 23/04/07

With some bands, it is easy to spot what influenced them, either to form a band or throughout the recording process. Switches are different. For there’s so many influences running amok in 'Heart Tuned To D.E.A.D' that it’s as if the Southend four piece decided to cannibalise the entire pantheon of both British and American rock and pop.

Certainly, the initial impression is that they have chosen wisely. Former single ‘Drama Queen’ is a cutting glam rock stomp, barrelling into the listener and giving a raucous statement of intent. It possess a fantastic guitar hook and is certain to buzz around your head for ages, probably to the extent that you‘ll grow sick of it. The next two tracks are even better, both classy pieces of pop but in different ways. ‘Snakes And Ladders’ features some soaring guitar, a stop start section and some lovely Beach Boys inspired harmonies. Recent single ‘Lay Down The Law’ swiftly dispenses with any such subtlety, instead providing a full on power pop hit. The opening quartet is completed by ‘Coming Down’, another track that features a glam edge but with a terrific melody and a shout it out loud chorus of “I must be coming down off something called love” . These tracks may have clear influences but that doesn’t mean they’re simply retreads. Instead Switches combine these various elements and manage to infuse them with a freshness, a danceable appeal that lifts their efforts.

Part of that extra appeal is down to vocalist/guitarist Matt Bishop, whose voice can quickly switch from tenderness on the slower paced ‘The Need To Be Needed’ to sinister on the bitter and twisted lament of ‘Step Kids In Love’. He’s ably supported by the backing vocals of guitarist Ollie Thomas, balancing out the frenzied pace of the music with some strong, sweet harmonies. Thomas also contributes strong guitar work throughout, powering several songs along with a delightful hook or a savage riff. It means that although there’s a constant stream of influences running throughout the album, there’s still enough touches to express some individuality, as well as a slick feel to the production that gives it a party feel.

However, there’s also several instances where Switches can’t pull off what they’re aiming for. ‘Give Up The Ghost’ is a real clunker of a tune, with an OTT air guitar riff and some hysterical vocals from Bishop. It actually sounds like they’re trying to be the Darkness, and aiming for that is the musical equivalent of running with scissors: not very bright and likely to cause pain.  ‘Every Second Counts’ is also mediocre, an irritating attempt at more power pop. Instead, it comes across flat, with a real whine to it that gnaws away. 

Luckily, the closing duo of tracks ensure a strong conclusion. There’s a woozy, Flaming Lips aura on ‘Killer Karma’, a pleasingly melodic number that showcases their g.php of harmonies once again. A striking contrast is then offered as ‘Testify’ thunders in, offering a blazing finale with a sledgehammer cracking open a nut chorus and a desperate screech of a T Rex esque riff. Though hampered by several flaws and perhaps the band attempting to cram too much in, this is still an enthusiastic and hugely enjoyable debut. Their hearts may be tuned to dead but Switches’ music is very much alive.