Blackbud - 'From The Sky' (Independiente) Released 24/07/06

Having met at school back in Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, and bonding over a love of similar musical tastes – more of which later – fresh-faced trio Blackbud were formed in 2002. This, their debut album, follows on from two relatively well-received EPs from the band last year. After something of a scramble from the majors to secure the signatures of Joe Taylor (guitar and vocals), Sam Nadel (drums) and Adam Newton (bass), the boys plumped for Independiente, current home of Embrace, a label they all admired for developing new talent. Along the way, the three-piece have garnered a good reputation for playing live, and the likes of Steve Lamacq, Zane Lowe and Michael Eavis have been quick to praise the band.

On the strength of 'From the Sky', however, it’s hard to imagine why. There’s an uncomfortable air of familiarity as the first chords sound on opener 'Barefoot Dancing', and none of the album’s 11 songs really manages to shake it off. Taylor et al obviously wear their influences on their sleeves – they say as much several times on their website – but by aping such luminaries as Led Zeppelin, Jeff Buckley, Jimi Hendrix and Red Hot Chili Peppers so doggedly, and more importantly, by adding so few ideas of their own, Blackbud are simply fighting a losing battle.

The mood throughout is decidedly po-faced too – serious music played by serious people, which lacks the fun, youthful swagger or exuberance one might expect of a debut from three lads who have all just entered their twenties. It’s not all doom and gloom however, 'Heartbeat' at least has some fire in its belly, while Taylor’s impressive voice adds bite to 'Steal Away'. On the plus side, the musicianship is of an excellent standard, it’s just a shame it couldn’t have been put to better, less stodgy, use.