I read somewhere that The Rescu are a stadium rock band; that this is indeed the sound they are going for. It’s a somewhat bold attempt considering the opportunity to play a ‘stadium rock’ gig will be few and far between in South Africa. I’ve also heard (or read, I can’t remember) that they model their sound on U2. Anyway preconceptions aside, I’m not really hearing either. Yes the production on this, their debut album, is large and yes if I really, really tried I could probably hear some U2 guitar riffs circa 1980-something in here somewhere but really? U2? Stadium rock? It’s a bad M.O. for a band that should prefer to simply stand on their own two feet as a straight up rock band. ‘Cos that is what The Rescu are. A modern day rock band. Now if I’m to be critical, and let’s face it that’s what I am paid to do, then this self-titled album is a tale of two halves. The album starts of very promisingly with an upbeat rocker, Miracle, nice and fast and good hooks. In fact track two, Work Things Out, followed by I Did It For You and Refugee as well as ballad Sharpeville all have merit and kept me interested. But by track 6, Beautiful Life, one gets the feeling you’ve heard their repertoire. Not to say the rest of the songs are weaker; just that the same compositional tricks are being reused, if that makes sense? So, not a bad debut – and I suppose there is a post-modern U2’ish type rock sound going on – The Rescu should gain good radio airplay with their catchy modern adult rock sound.
REVIEW: Damien Albetto
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