My Awesome Compilation - The View Is Amazing

  by Daniel Cressey

published: 14 / 8 / 2004

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Review

Although the two pairs of brothers that make up My Awesome Compilation are from Leicester, their debut mini-album was recorded in San Diego and there is an American influence on each of these six tracks. This is, however, a very British set of recordings, and while MAC have been described as melodic hardcore this is more like traditional UK rock with a bit of an emo flavour. The tracks here are a fine introduction to a band that have toured them solidly, and gained a pretty dedicated fan base doing it. But the songs work better live than in this slightly over produced format. While the melodies are suitably hummable, it all feels a bit clean for a rock band. The piano on ‘Butterflies’ wouldn’t be out of place in a Keane song, although that is perhaps slightly harsh. Some of the lyrics are also a little lacking in content: “Every souvenir has a story”, well quite, that’s what makes them souvenirs. 'The View Is Amazing' is very easy on the ears, but that is not always what you want from a rock band. There is a real energy to the band live and they do know how to pen a good song but this distilled album never really gets loud enough. It is very enjoyable all the same and noone could accuse it of being overlong or overblown, but something with a bit more of a rock edge would be nice from a band who have shown live that they are quite capable of cranking it up.

Track Listing:-

1 As Always
2 Giving Up
3 Miracle Mile
4 Butterflies
5 Wish You Well
6 Our Lives: The Sequel