By Daffs (TwoDaff)
The Superlatives hail from Wetherby, close to Leeds and were formed a little over 16 years ago when the lads were at High School. Originally a four-piece outfit, over the years this has been reduced to three members although this doesn’t take anything away from their powerful sound. They are Charlie Noble (Vocals and Guitar), Tom Gausden (Bass), Jamie Godley Drums).
They have toured all over Leeds as a three piece and ventured further afield to Germany and the Netherlands, honing their sound and becoming a tight unit and this is evident in the tracks they have released. Massive power chords with punchy riffs driven by chunky bass lines and powerful drums, a must listen for fans of indie rock.
Their debut album ‘What Will You Do With Me’ released in 2017 showcases the raw power of this trio, their influences evident throughout, ranging from punk, ska, mod and the brit-pop scene through to Nirvana and the alternative American genre…all this blends well to create an album of good old British indie rock.
This was followed by the release of ‘Sonder’ which is a firm favourite of mine and was first used in 2015 by San Francisco Scooter Rally, it was released by the band in 2020 and was again used for an East Coast Scooter rally compilation.
In 2022 and the band played a number of gigs and reached out as far as the Highlands of Scotland, I managed to get to the Inverness gig (a review can be found here). In addition, the band released their last single ‘Altered Times’ on 27/05/2022. A Powerful yet melodic track and for me was their best track to date. That is until now…
They are set to release their latest single as part of a five track EP ‘Tora Tora Tora’ on Deliberator Records on 30th September. Tracks on the EP are ‘Altered Times’, ‘Fat Arse’, ‘Waste My Time’ and ‘Take Me Home’ Having been given the chance of a pre-release listen I thought I would review the title track and their last single Altered Times, the rest? well you will have to find out for yourselves but they will not disappoint.
On Tora Tora Tora, Charlie told me “The title is named after an old war film of the same name, which literally translates to Attack Attack Attack and the reasoning was the whole song felt like I was attacking someone” The track opens with a fast-paced drum rhythm before a thumping bass interjects followed by the trademark energy fuelled guitar completing the set. This sets the scene for the whole song…energy, power and passion. A trademark of The Superlatives.
“Energy, power and passion”
The energy all three members put into their songs has to be seen to be believed, and Tora Tora Tora is no different. Blistering guitar riffs drive this song through the verses, whilst the thumping drums and fast paced bass lines rumble and snarl underneath, it has a punk edge to it yet its clean and all elements are tight, a sign these lads know what they are doing. The opening line You think you want it, so come on round, almost goads/dares you, it has an air of tension.
“Blistering guitar riffs”
The mid-section leads with the bass and drums, with the vocal “If you don’t let it open you up, you’ll never feel it” this further adds to the tension before the guitar comes in with a kind of descending, solo that builds to a crescendo and just blasts on to the end. Explosive from the start this track, as with all their tracks is best when the volume is up full.
“Explosive from the start”
Altered Times was released as a single back in May and is another favourite of mine, even better when live. A glorious opening riff that is repeated throughout the whole song really sets the tone then a punch of overdrive, bass and drums hits you before the first verse begins. Driven by a rolling drumbeat and energetic throughout, the vocals dive in and out of the guitar riff that stays with you…an earworm…then the chorus hits you, an explosion of overdrive, punchy bass and banging drums…Time after Time…again and again and again…anthemic, powerful.
“A punch of overdrive”
A roaring mid-section keeps soaring building and building before you come back down to earth and the final verse and then the chorus which ends abruptly…I like that…leaves you wanting more.
The song itself, according to Charlie tells of a breakdown in relationships, how things turn sour and of not being heard, and I get that. You can relate it to all manner of situations whether it’s a partner, parent, or even the government/politicians a real change in the times. And we have all gone through that over the last few years. This track is a swaggering punchy anthem that builds you up and hits you hard with all the energy that the Superlatives produce…a real banger.
“A swaggering punchy anthem”
Yet again the Superlatives have delivered another barnstormer, pure energy plus skilled musicianship creating another fantastic track, for me these are one of the most underrated bands out there, they are at their best when playing live, having seen them I was blown away by the sheer passion, energy and sound these guys produce. You only have to listen at their back catalogue or even better get out and see them, their live performances are something else.
You can order Tora Tora Tora Here
