Album Review

The Native Divide – Your Friends Aren’t Mine EP

• 26th May 2011

Gruel, grit, ruggedness and feral social bemusement merges together like solids in a sewer current, ‘Waste My Time’. Gaining momentum in the drawling, stammering delivery of the simple chorus couplet:

                          “Your friends aren’t mine, don’t waste my time.”

It culminates in an edgy, sordid two and a half minute splurge of shoegaze revivalism. The blues and garage rock conjoining grind of ‘You Got It Wrong’, uses the rhythmic rev of Ryan Harrison’s guitar licks to add a bit of urgency. The vocals, at times, don’t match the profile of the guitars and chiming percussive touches enough to make you focus on the lyrics. Removal of the vocal element in this case would, make the track a stirringly rugged wholly instrumental foray with enough rhythmic boldness that would, no doubt, be magnified in a live setting.

The lo-fi lob of ‘Cry Wolf’, sees the vocals taking back control and some versatility is shown in this element, as the vocal projection switches in impact to match the changing guitar and percussion profile.   Searching power ballad ‘The Chase’, winds things up with a hint of tenderness and depth. It’s the most lyrically meaningful track on display.

This EP drops enough hints to suggest that The Native Divide have the raw elements of grit, rhythm, range and mystique to make an impact on the ever important live music market.  When they fully crack this and get a producer who can nail the right balance between the sterling instrumental rhythm build, the atmospheric slant and the vocal pitch. Then The Native Divide could make waves on the radio.

Rating: 3.5/5