Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – Chasing Yesterday

Standing on your own two feet after conquering the world in one of Britain’s most iconic bands is no mean feat, yet this is something that Noel Gallagher seems to have taken in his stride. His debut solo self-titled album conquered the UK album charts and reached number one, while the announcement that his band will headline Latitude festival this year suggests that Gallagher has the ability to build his own empire. With his new album Chasing Yesterday hitting the shelves, take a listen, and see if this progress continues or if second album syndrome has struck.

Opening tracks Riverman and In the heat of the Moment flow through, creating an easy-listening tempo that is difficult to find in modern alternative music. The melodic rock ‘n’ roll vibe is hard to dislike, as Gallagher is able to show off his impressive songwriting ability, while also displaying his effortless talent for creating mellow rock music. Chasing Yesterday appears to be influenced by classic American powerhouses, such as REM and Bruce Springsteen, as the melodic rock elements are clear as day.

It’s obvious that Gallagher sticks with his traditional influences and techniques on this proper album. Every track is carefully constructed and full of character – this isn’t an album with filler built around two or three singles. Although there is a slight lull in the centre, The Mexican and You Know We Can’t Go Back lift the tempo right back up, showing that Gallagher can still belt out a tune that is perfect for the live arena. Ballad of the Mighty I is the clear poppy hit that will gain the most airtime, and rightly so.

From Yesterday may not revolutionise the rock genre, but it can definitely take its place proudly as a consistent classic. In an era of music where pop is churned out at an industrial rate, flooding our culture, it’s a relief to hear an extremely talented musician create a solid album of traditional classics. Noel is back to doing what he does best, and long may it continue.

Keir Smith

Chasing Yesterday was released on 2^nd March 2015, for further information or to order the album visit here.

Watch the video for Ballad of the Mighty I here: