Dundee’s The View release their fifth studio album, Ropewalk, and it is an absolute corker. When I read the album was being recorded and produced in Hamburg by Albert Hammond Junior (guitarist for The Strokes – should you be from another planet), my eyebrows certainly raised in anticipation of what might be, and with Swedish engineer Gus Oberg and Vampire Weekend’s Justin Gerrish also on-board expectations were certainly high.
The result is sublime, with Ropewalk being the album where the cheeky chappies come of age, maturing and refining their sound with a Strokes-esque infusion – with hints of west coast Americana and even punk present as the band innovatively continue on their own musical journey.
The riff from opening track ‘Under The Rug’ splits the airwaves from the off and has a recognisable ’70s feel to it (almost Sci-fi at times) and by the time lead singer Kyle Falconer belts out “just keeping letting the sun split the pavement, don’t let the clouds come to you” in his folky vocal I am completely hooked. ‘Marriage’ follows and is equally as catchy, with an infectious beat that hooks the listener instantly. With guitarist Pete Reilly in fine form, ‘Talk About Two’ is another standout with an almost acapella sounding finale reminiscent of The Housemartins ‘Caravan Of Love’ – beautiful!
Mellow slow burner ‘Psychotic’ catches me off guard while bassist Kieren Webster takes over lead vocals with his strong Dundonian accent on the punk sounding ‘Cracks’. Laced with Kyle’s vocal, ‘Cracks’ is another track that shines, while ‘Tenement Light’ is another punk sounding gem. ‘Penny’ surprises throughout and is an early favourite as the band go for it hammer and tongs style.
Album closer ‘Voodoo Doll’ is an assault on the senses as the listener is stabbed in the ear with Kyle letting it all go as he screams repeatedly “take out your pins from your Voodoo Doll”, with the track then ascending to a chant like chorus that will have fans singing along at the top of their lungs. My only criticism is Ropewalk only contains 10 songs and I want more!
Having previously been called Scotland’s answer to The Libertines, Ropewalk could well be the album that propels The View from the shadows of their fellow indie-rockers.
Ropewalk is out now via Cooking Vinyl.
Words: Bazza Mills
Twitter: @bazzamills
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