Tribes // Baby

January 11th, 2012

Tribes are one of those bands who have been flying under the radar for a while now and finally their debut album Baby is ready to be unleashed on the world. And boy, it was worth waiting for.

Once you’ve whacked the CD in your Walkman you’ll be greeted by the glorious album opener Whenever – a brilliant indie-rock anthem which will instantly grab your attention. The punching drum line and loud guitar riffs absorb you into the stadium-filling chorus. Such an uplifting start to such a highly-awaited debut. After an amazing first song it’s natural to expect the tracks that follow to lack a bit of something special, but this Babys’ collection of tracks won’t let you down: It delivers 100% on every song, each one having it’s own little spark which gets brighter and better with every listen.

Whenever is followed by We Were Children another stunning song with a sing-a-long anthemic chorus which will be stuck in your head for days. Powerful and rousing choruses really are the swansong of this record and Himalaya is a wonderful example of such a chorus. As lead singer Johnny Lloyd croons “Does it move you?” you realise just how moving the entire album is. The chorus is destined for big venues. In fact, every track on the long-player is made to be sung by thousands of fans at stadiums and festivals. The underground quartet from Camden is thinking big with this debut and I’m pretty sure this band is on their way up.

Tribes recently announced on their website that recent single Sappho is a “fittingly heart-racing call-to-arms for a generation left crying out for band name worthy of being Tip-Ex’d onto a satchel.” There isn’t a more appropriate description for this brilliant lead single, Sappho won’t fail to impress. With the album slowing down in places for quiet consideration, Corner of an English Field is a particularly poignant and emotional song about the death of close friend to the band, Charlie Haddon of Ou Est Le Swimming Pool fame. The grief-stricken lyrics are very touching, a perfect tribute for a sad loss.

Tribes pencilled in super-producer Mike Crossey for the record. Mike has previously helped create some iconic records – he has Foals, Razorlight and that little band called the Arctic Monkeys plus many more to call friends. His presence is felt on the album but in no way distracts from the boys’ hard work: Taking influence from the likes of Suede, Radiohead and Blur, the four-piece’s sound is so easy to listen to – it is fresh and exciting but with hints of the old favourites, Baby ends up being just plain enjoyable to listen to. Lyrics filled with thoughts of the past could have ended up too despondent but with stirring guitars the music becomes a wistful and content reflection on the bygone.

The album is rounded off with the song Bad Apples. A thought-provoking finale which will leave the song and the album in your mind until you can’t help but press that play button again. With the bands efforts finally being recognised by the masses, having just played XFM’s Winter Wonderland gig, they are soon to embark upon the NME Awards Tour supporting Two Door Cinema Club.

Baby is released on 16th January

Words > Rachel Speed

Tags: Baby, Corner of an English Field, Himalaya, Sappho, Tribes, Whenever