Cortez Loop - Cortez Loop

by Sarah Rowland

published: 19 / 4 / 2005

Label: Redemption
Format: CDS

Promising and versatile debut EP from the Cortez Loop, the nom de plume of teenage musician Alex Gordon, who seems destined for the mainstream

Review

The driving force behind the Cortez Loop is Alex Gordon. He joined his first band aged 14 and on the verge of being signed realised his songs were being compromised and left to form the Cortez Loop. This shows a lot of integrity and this is reflected in his music. The EP showcases a variety of styles. The guitar riffs especially have a creative flare. The lyrics at times can be a little bland and I get the impression that for Gordon the music comes first and the words are bent to fit. Luckily he can get away with this because his versatile voice fills in any gaps left by mediocre lyrics. When I first heard ‘Home of the Blind’ I was distinctly reminded of the Foo Fighters ‘Stacked Actors’. This is no bad thing and demonstrates Gordon’s diversity; when this song is compared with the EP’s final track, ‘Turn You Around’, it’s hard to believe it is the same voice. I like the opening guitar riff on the second track, ‘Straitjacket’ and again the heavy drum rhythm and prominent guitar is reminiscent of the Foos and also has elements of early Feeder. ‘The Landing’ tones down the drums and Gordon’s voice has a gentler quality that is complimented by new jazz wonder kid, Jamie Cullum. A hint of gospel organ is also slotted discreetly behind this song and works well with the deep rooted base line. ‘Turn You Around’ takes the EP in a completely different direction from the first three tracks. It wouldn’t be out of place on Coldplay’s first album and Gordon’s south-east London accent adds to the Coldplay comparison. This last song ditches the drums altogether and gives way to gentle acoustic notes while also being one of the strongest songs lyrically as well. The album that is sure to follow this EP has a lot of potential. If Gordon can hold on to his versatile style and come up with a strong set of lyrics he’ll have no problem reaching the mainstream rock scene.