Blackcar - Blackcar. Released 21/07/2003 on Altered States

This track coupled with the previously released ‘100% Proof’ and ‘A sleep At The Wheel’, combines the honesty and tenderness of Dashboard Confessional with the neat and earthly instrumentals of an Elbow or Stereophonics, but the influence of the first mentioned band that helps them escape the stale copycat Britpop sound, that too many new bands adopt.

Hope in the face adversity seems to be the main theme running through this intriguing debut, with it being covered prominently in ‘Come On Home’. The album contains a healthy mix of slow and meaningful acoustic lead tracks, such as ‘St. John’ and more upbeat tracks containing thumping drum beats (provided by Dan’s brother Tom) and are sure to have you out of your seat dancing like ‘Count Them On Hand’. Blackcar have produced a ten track teaser which more than gives the impression that the likes of The Coral, The Music and ‘The Kills’ will have to make room at the top of the new rock pedestal for another sincere and talented group of musicians.

David Adair