Cordeliers - Cordeliers

Cordeliers

Cordeliers
self-released; 2016

3.5 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

The Corderliers comprised of  Joe Shaw (vocals), James Walker (guitar), Elliot McNeill (bass) and Matt Lane (drums) formed in early 2015 and are already showing some potential n their self-titled album Corderliers. The band says on their Bandcamp that they were influenced  by The Smiths, The Doors and The Killers among many others. Out of the bands The Smiths seems the most obvious. I also heard a bit of The Stone Roses along with a number of other English bands.

The band displays some talent on this album. I thought the songwriting was great and the performances were solid. That being said it seemed as if the performance at times could be tightened up. 

They open up with “Shame” which displays some creative guitar skills. I especially thought the lead guitar during the verse was notable. The song isn't groundbreaking by any stretch of the imagination but a solid track.

“Cruel and Kind” seems to be directly influenced by The Smiths. Johnny Marr style guitar is all over this well as well and you can even hear a hint of Morrissey in the vocal delivery and lyrics. The album progresses and some of the songs get louder. “Swing to Miss” is a good two or three dbs louder than “Cruel and Kind.” A better mastering job may have been in order here but the songwriting stays consistent unlike the volume. 

The band veers into ’70s punk territory with “Honesty” and they may have a hit on their hand with “Impetuous Imposition.” “Damaged Euphoria” is the closer and another highlight. The guitar playing and vocal delivery is top notch.

​Their self-titled album is a solid start for the band. The production is impressive for a DIY effort but also a bit inconsistent. For example the snare drum of the closer needs to be more present in the mix. A little boost on their next effort is something they should shoot for. Along with that it seems as if the band is still wearing their influences while slowly carving out their sound. This is a good start and also a case of wait and see.

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