Album Review

Great Cynics – Like I Belong

• 25th Mar 2013

Straight from the opening strains of Queen Of The Anarchists it’s clear that Great Cynics are still following in the footsteps of a long line of UK bands peddling a certain sound. That American tinged but distinctly British-summertime, politics-fuelled-reminiscence brand of song writing that never seems to exhaust itself or outstay its welcome. From the rowdy old school punk crowd sing-a-long of Younger Than Everyone to the made-for-radio pop melody of Letting Go and In My Head, the quintessential British-ness of Great Cynics practically punches its way through the music, landing on your plate like a satisfying slab of marmalade slathered toast and a hot brew.

Like I Belong is the band’s sophomore release and does show a distinct and markedly fuller sound compared to their debut release. Recorded predominantly live, the solid home recording vibe has been captured without any quality loss and the band benefit immensely from bringing bass player Iona Cairns to the foreground, as her more prominent vocals and song writing contributions add a new and interesting flavour to the Cynics sonic smorgasbord.

There are a plethora of songs about being broke, young and in love in the UK here, specifically on obvious odes to London life like the excellent Back To Hackney and Kingsland Roaches. In front man Giles Bidder the band have a distinct voice capable of writing relevant songs for a jilted generation, though they find themselves squeezed into a fairly tightly packed niche between the rock, punk and indie camps that might see them struggle to break out in one distinct area. That being said, this is a band with big tunes that deserve to be heard and they seem happy to stand on their own two feet.

Great Cynics have certainly stepped things up a gear on Like I Belong, a record which is by turns a little bit twee, a little bit safe, unapologetically heartfelt and most importantly a lot of fun – there are songs on this album that you’ll be humming while you brush your teeth at the end of the day and will still be popping into your brain when you wake up in the morning. Whether you’re in a suburban bubble or a concrete jungle, this is the sound of young, struggling England, and we like it.

Venue: Like I Belong
Support Band: Bomber Music Ltd.