The 295 - The 295

The 295

The 295
​self-released; 2020

​3.8 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

The 295 is a band hailing from the UK that recently released a self-titled mixtape The 295.  They mention “Half the album was recorded live with no click track, so the performances on these songs are lively. The rest were recorded piece by piece, but due to the DIY process, they are no less powerful and energetic.” If you play music you will know this is always a huge debate. Click or no click. I really couldn’t tell what was with a click and what wasn’t. One thing I can say is the songs rock.

Their songs for the most are upbeat fun rock songs but they also can write one heck of a ballad. There are a number of songs that I could have on repeat. I love a song that is upbeat in mood but the lyrics lean towards a struggle of some kind. That’s what you hear on “Lovely Without You’ which is more or less garage rock 101 that is somewhere between The Strokes and The Killers.

“Tomorrow, Today” is a slower ballad where warm distortion washes over you. The vocalist reminded me of John Lennon. It’s sincere, heartfelt and emotionally resonant. I was reminded even more of The Beatles on “Man of the Hour” and is even more so of a ballad that slowly builds with piano and is somewhat overtaken by guitar,

There are a bunch of other highlights including “What a Shame!” and the intimate and orchestral sounding “Reverie.” “A Little Bit Better” is a joyous song that should put you in a good mood but also rocks. I would actually say “Everybody’s Here” also puts you in a good mood and feels very warm and is actually about Christmas.

​The band is in top shape with this release and I was expecting more of a scattered feel since it was a mixtape but that wasn’t the case. I became a fan of the band for multiple reasons and feel they are accessible to a large demographic. Recommended.

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