Augustines – Augustines

Adopting an explorative, upbeat vibe for their second album, Brooklyn based Augustines have certainly moved away from their deeply revealing and grief-infused debut album Rise Ye Sunken Ships.

First track Cruel City kicks off the journey – with catchiness to spare, this uplifting song is an instant foot-tapping sing-along. With the potential to feel perfectly at home on the soundtrack to Disney’s classic The Lion King, it invokes spiritual awakening and rebirth.

Nothing to Lose But Your Head has strong drums, questioning lyrics and a backbone chorus ensuring this Celtic head-banger is undoubtedly one for the festival circuit. Don’t You Look Back inspires travel, unforgettably empowering with Billy McCarthy’s trademark soaring vocals definitely adding to its infectious appeal.

Walkabout is spacious and exposed at the intro, showcasing the dynamics of McCarthy’s engaging vocals before almost morphing into a faster, yearning track that builds to a rousing multi-vocal anthem finale before returning to its sorrowful piano/vocal origins.

Eclectic drums by Rob Allen give Kid You’re on Your Own less of the world traveller vibe, but instrumentalist Eric Sanderson intrigues and the memorable lyric “everyone you love slips through your hands like sand” means this indie rocker track still has a lot to give.

An unfortunate low light, This Ain’t Me inflicts repetitive lyrics more at home on house or hip hop records. Although unfamiliar with the Augustines until now, this repetition still seems a bit out of place, demeaning an otherwise quality sophomore album. Though it is a blip on the radar, the inspirational Now You Are Free  soon swoops in to rousingly restore crowd-pleasing order.

Instrumental Highway 1 Interlude gives a surprising rest to reflect on this educational musical tour before Hold Onto Anything – a sparse but effective military tinged anthem – ends this journey on a bona fide high.  

Laura Jorden

Augustines is released on 3^rd February 2014. For further information or to order the album visit Augustines’ website here.