Photo:

There are certain bands who through extreme dedication have bought the music industry to its knees by defying the concept of "it's not what you know it's who". Deaf Havana are one of those bands who like Biffy Clyro seized every opportunity to gig wherever the road led them, subsequently spawning legions of fans the length of the country. These aren't your run of the mill part-time groupies either, there are huge denominations of the fan base who are very vocal about the four-piece and with good reason. Deaf Havana are a group who draw on the best elements of pop-punk, post-hardcore, metal and prog to formulate a consolidation of the music upon which a massive portion of this great country was raised.

Despite signing to BMG, the band have never let up on giving something back to those that have supported them over the last 6 years. 'Fools And Worthless Liars' in many ways exhibits this exact sensibility, what with the first track 'One For The Cool Kids' going so far as to be a tribute to the fans themselves - referring in particular to their notorious new years gig at The Purple Turtle.

This adds a huge dimension to what is already a sublime album that is one part Incubus, one part Brand New, whilst retaining a completely unique sound that is indicative of a band reaching their plateau. James Amadeus despite expressing insecurities about captaining vocal responsibilities after the departure of Ryan Mellor, is the perfect frontman; leading the album with extensive vocal capabilities that have seen the band improve by leaps and bounds, even reaching Muse like levels of crescendo.

'Youth In Retrospect' is a song indicative of exactly how self-aware Ryan and the band have become in relation to their role within the music industry and in relation to their audience - this is a facet that further lends gravitas to the album. It enables a certain amount of metaphysical tendering towards the listener with a slice of good humor complimentary to the heart-felt music. 'Royston Vasey' for example is immediately tounge in cheek referring evidently to the ever disturbing 'League Of Gentleman' television series.

Undeniably this is an endearing characteristic as it shows Deaf Havana don't take themselves to seriously, but at the same time have a lucrative ability to fire on all cylinders affecting any mood they may choose. That is representative of a hugely well-rounded band that have an inherent maturity rarely displayed within the scene from which they gravitate.

'Fools And Worthless Liars' is a perfect album for what it is, transcending expectations to present a diverse, weighty and tuneful experience that is a flawless chapter in Deaf Havana's history.