Sums - If Only

by Anthony Strutt

published: 30 / 10 / 2012

Label: Townsend Records
Format: CD

Enjoyable, but average Britpop on debut album from Liverpool-based band, the Sums

Review

The Sums are a Liverpool-based four piece with a claim to fame, Noel Gallagher is a big fan of their front man Peter 'Digsy' Deary, whose previous bands Cook Da Books and Smaller had minor indie hits. 'Digsy's Diner' on Oasis's first album, 'Definitely Maybe', was written as a tribute to him. 'Darken My Doorstep' kicks off 'If Only', which is the Sums' debut album. It combines the energy of the early Arctic Monkeys with the jangle of the La's. 'Come Back Scumbag' is a 21st century Merseybeat number with street attitude, while 'Road to Nowhere' sounds like Blur covering the Arctic Monkeys. 'Split Milk' is part mid-period Beatles and part street talk, while 'Rise' is very catchy indie pop. 'Scared of Missing Out' starts off sounding like an Oasis number, but then speeds right on up and changes mood, and heads into an early Starsailor direction. 'Mind Field' is a very catchy, anthemic Oasis number, while 'Ringing in the Rain; is easy on the ears with a Cast-like rhythm to it. 'Small Smile' is a jolly summery number, and 'Kiss Yourself Goodbye' is a moody acoustic piece of swagger. 'I Go Down' is delivered in a Wonderwall-like fashion, and 'Who Cares?' is a drink-spilling sing-a-long number with lots of raw energy. 'Let's Get Special' ends this enjoyable, but rather average album and has an Arctic Monkeys like laidback swagger to it.

Track Listing:-

1 Darken My Doorstep
2 Comeback Scumbag
3 Ride to Nowhere
4 Split Milk
5 Rise
6 Scared of Missing Out
7 Mind Field
8 Ringing in the Rain
9 Small Smile
10 Kiss Yourself Goodbye
11 I Go Down
12 Who Cares?
13 Let's Get Special

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/TheSumsoffici
https://twitter.com/thesumsmusic
http://thesums.net/
https://www.youtube.com/user/2007cjm
https://plus.google.com/10566637052611