The Cold Cut

Rating: The first truly great indie release of 2008

My post today will take a cue from the album it's focussed on. 'Little Death', Pete & The Pirates debut album, is solid proof that simple music can still work. This is a big deal considering the majority of popular music is now designed around the idea that 'bigger is better'. That, whilst generally true, does not mean that simplistic music cannot make an impact, and P&TP (as they will be known) make it look effortless.

The success of this album is bigger than that idea, though, and to be honest, P&TP didn't start off well. They chose one of the worst band names in recent history, and as musicians, appear unremarkable at first. When a band's name references a singular person ('Pete', of which there are two in this band), the general reaction would be to discount the backing band, labeling them session musicians. That, however, is not the case here, and their live performances are notoriously brilliant due to the closeness of the five friends from Reading.

Equal measures intense and light-hearted, 'Little Death' works on many levels, and despite a slow section, the album is never boring. The faster songs are mostly dominated by angular guitar riffs and frantic thrashing from the rhythm section, whereas the more heartfelt songs such as 'Ill Love' are more melodic, with a cleaner different mix. 'Knots', the lead single, on the other hand, leaves things jagged, and it's all the more charming for it, with its infectious hooks and licks. Then we have 'Come On Feet', a tune that, as the band put it, is "a fast, jangly punk-infused pop song about shit relationships, dancing and trying to get home". My personal favourite is 'Mr Understanding', a song has withstood more than 10 consecutive plays before becoming tiresome.

Nevertheless, it's not all genius, and the lyrics occasionally lapse into the grey zone, especially in the plodding 'Song For Today', the only song on the album which is considerably longer than 3 minutes. Its no coincidence that this is also the worst song on the album.

This can be easily forgiven, and barring this low point, the album fully lives up to our expectations. Sticking to what they do best, P&TP have played it simply, and it really pulls off. 'Little Death' is a testament to the fact that sometimes, production and complication can go out the window: all you need for great music is some nice lyrics, solid harmonies and a nice gritty riff.

Pete And The Pirates- Mr Understanding

Buy Little Death. Visit their official site, or Myspace.

In the wake of my recent post about British bands to watch in 2008 (which, for the hungover, it now is), there is no way Pete And The Pirates aren't getting a mention.

If you can get past the name (just as with Joe Lean And The Jing Jang Jong), then we're all set. New single, 'Knots' personifies what this band is all about. Its a rip-roaring example of how to make great pop music, compressed into a two minute lesson. Yes, Joe Lean, you've just been schooled.

'Little Death', their debut album is out on 18th February. And whilst I'm looking forward to it, the thing that intrigues me most is how fully formed the band is, this early in their career. No joke, some of their songs are really polished, equaling veteran bands in their quality. Angular guitars, desperate lyrics and a hint of punk create a sound that is chock full of energy. They aren't perfect (in execution), but as I already said, they know what their strengths are, and they play to them.

Pete And The Pirates- Knots

Check out Shattered Satellite for a interview with the band. They seem a nice bunch of guys... Head over here to pre-order Little Death or just buy some of the cool merchandise.