Album Review

Oswald – These Days

• 14th Jul 2009

I’ve never been a fan of bands like U2 and Coldplay, so when I’m told a band sounds like, er, U2 and Coldplay, I’m naturally going to take a step back. In this instance I didn’t though, for some reason, instead allowing the dulcet tones of Scottish newcomers Oswald onto my stereo.

It’s what you’d expect. A catchy, well made piece of pop twaddle, full of hot air and little else. It’s catchy enough, sure, but there’s nothing we’d call innovative, even badly done innovation is something any new band should try for. That said, it’s a version of aforementioned U2-ish bands that’s a little easier to take, which is always going to be a good thing, and it’s that which means this isn’t half bad at all when you think about it.

Not bad, but not great, it’s a debut single that’s maybe too good to be from a new band.