Iain Archer - 'Flood The Tanks' (Pias) Released 04/07/05

Iain Archer is certain to be the name on people’s lips this year.  As the ex Snow Patrol guitarist and co-writer of ‘Run’ he has already gained an impressive list of credentials.  He’s supported Athlete, Tim Burgess and David Gray and bagged himself an Ivor Novello Album award for contribution to ‘Final Straw’.  Flood the Tanks was released in 2004 for those lucky enough to live on the Emerald Isle but it’s taken over a year for UK release.

Archers haunting gravely voice on ‘Pressure drop’ means that it wouldn’t sound out of place on Elbow’s 'Asleep in the Back' but if you think this opening track sets the tone for the rest of the album you would be very mistaken.  Sorry to use the old cliché but this album is a rollercoaster of emotion.  In place the album picks up tempo and drops it again 3 minutes later showcasing Archers versatility. However if you happen to belong to the Liam Gallagher school of thought where music by Keane or Coldplay makes you want to slit your wrists steer well clear of ‘A Few Conclusions’, one of the most deeply depressing sounding tracks ever.

‘Summer jets’, which was recorded with U2 and New Order producer Steve Osbourne, is by far one of the most exhilarating and uplifting songs on the album a perfect summer festival tune.  While ‘Does This have a Name’ could be the ultimate sitting round a campfire track with its mellow guitars.

Despite Gary Lightbody influence having an all too obvious on this album, 'Flood The Tanks' still manages to stand out as an individual and unique album.