Oasis' 'Dig Out Your Soul' - The Gigwise Verdict

Oasis are finally back, and Gigwise has the essential track by track guide ahead of the release of their eagerly awaited seventh studio album ‘Dig Out Your Soul’.

We can lay any uncomfortable anxieties to bed straight away because this album goes beyond the realms of what we expected.

The elegantly flowing order creates a feeling of one continuous piece of music and gives a swift slap across the download a song here and there generation. So now for the tracks…

1. Bag It Up -  A striking start to the album and a quick insight into the psychedelia that lies within. Faultless changes including the gritty serene pre chorus: “Someone tell me I’m dreaming/The freaks are rising up through the floor,” delivers in a way only Liam could. Then the onslaught of the sleazy charismatic chorus: “Lay your love on the fire when you come on in/ I got my hee-bee-jee-bees in a hidden bag,” adds the final flavour to a filling starter.

2. The Turning - A slightly reticent comedown from the raucous power of the previous five minutes - and an effortlessly flowing transition from it also. A simple patiently building rock ‘n’ roll belter that moves from calmly stroked chords into a cacophony chorus where Liam lets rip.

3. Waiting for the Rapture - John Desmore and Robby Krieger seem to meet the band for Noel Gallagher’s first vocal outing. It’s the glam and the sleaze that add sinister beauty to a crush of charm. Noel’s high vocal moments are forceful and bounce well with the sharp guitar that pops in and out.

4. The Shock Of The Lightning - The first single to be lifted and one all should be familiar with already. It’s the quick pace and the Keith Moon drum style solo that elevates this track from any monotony that may trouble the cynics. A powerful, driving song intertwined with drips of imposing organ.

5. I’m Outta Time - One of the most talked about tracks at the moment. Liam’s ode to Mr. Lennon does not disappoint. The opening “La La La La” put you off the scent for a moment before the handsome ballad comes alive with Liam’s heart felt vocal. His affection is apparent and it will add a tear to the more emotionally sensitive. “If I’m to fall would you be there to applaud/ Or would you hide behind them all,” rings the chorus and showcases Liam for the great songwriter he has finally become. The speech sample from Lennon that ends: “Are you going to be there when I get back,” is eerie and adds the final poignant stroke.

6. (Get Off Your) High Horse Lady - This song is all about the drums, clapping and the single cowbell note that brings them flourishing further down the line. Noel’s effect laid vocal is uncompromisingly dastardly genius. The song typifies the fantastic effort that has gone into the production on the album. An expertly chosen follow up from the beauty of the previous effort before the beach walking sounds move into the oncoming brilliance.

7. Falling Down - This is one of ‘those songs’. The orchestra promotes a yearning for big things and delivers sophisticatedly. The drums again play the key role in the song. The jumping quick beat juxtaposed with a dark yet soft Noel vocal washes a sense of awe over the whole thing. There is something even more emotionally attaching then Liam’s ballad, and is certainly one of Noel’s best in years both vocally and structurally.

8. To Be Where There’s Life - The Eastern musical influences are apparent throughout but what elevates this Gem track is the powerful Liam vocal that dances coherently rather then a sneeze of confusion. The bass line typifies a Gallagher strut and marches on authoritatively. The plunge back into the verse and the scream of “Dig Out Your Soul” is the intelligent equivalent of an hour listening to Stephen Fry.

9. Ain’t Got Nothin’ - This is Liam standing right in your face scowling with frightening intent. It’s The Who all over with the Oasis magic sprinkled on. A short number but grand nonetheless.

10. The Nature Of Reality - Maracas shake and then in comes the Beatles ‘Revolution’/’Heltter Skelter’ style single note ringing before dropping into an 80s stadium rock beat that oozes the classic British feel. Imagine John Bonham meeting Pete Willis for a jam ensuring there’s enough reverb making headway to keep Spinal Tap’s Nigel Tuffnell happy.

11. Soldier On - A plodding groovy beat under an echoy Liam vocal climaxes the album with the same feel as a soundtrack behind credits. The ‘Baba O’Reily’-esque synthesiser stepping in along with the melodica end the album with a sense of the close of a dream. It’s trippy, it’s haunting, and it’s brilliant once again.

To summarise, this is an album that truly takes hold of all expectations and desires and delivers a punch that will not only shake your bones – but any one who manages to stand in a near radius of you. Get pre-ordering now.

A History of Oasis Studio Albums: