Viola Beach: Self Titled

Viola Beach: Viola Beach

For Jack, River, Kris, Tomas and Craig

Side A opens with ‘Swings and Waterslides’ a little gem of indie pop brilliance, one of the bands singles and a standout track. The melody is simple but it serves a brilliant purpose, the lyrics wrap around it effortlessly and it makes for a sing along anthem.
‘Like a Fool’ is the next track on Side A, another very groovy track with some intricate guitar work. It’s a little slower than ‘Swings and Waterslides’ but by no means is it any less impactful. In fact it’s one of my favourite tracks on the album. ‘Go Outside’ follows ‘Like A Fool’ and with its big chorus it has gone on to become a fan favourite. It’s perfectly crafted indie pop and that’s the biggest compliment I can give it! A catchy chorus and beautiful backing vocals become the tracks cornerstones, it was made for arenas. It’s a shame that they have never got to play them. ‘Cherry Vimto’ is the penultimate track on Side A another of the bands singles, a slower more melodic affair, about the trials and tribulations of a relationship. It’s unique pacing makes for one of the albums most interesting listens. ‘Drunk’ ends Side A and some argue it’s the bands most complete song, again about the tales of relationships. Musically the song is the most complex on the album, with a brilliant guitar solo. It’s easy to see why it’s a fan favourite.

Side B opens with ‘Really Wanna Call’ which features all of the band at there very best, each of them showcasing there talent. To create a brilliant catchy song. It’s one of the albums hidden gems and one of my favourites by the band. ‘Call You Up’ is the next track and it’s one of the most beautiful pieces of music released in the last 20 years it’s so heartfelt. We don’t know what songs Kris Leonard was writing at the time of his death, however one thing we do know is that ‘Call You Up’ is a masterpiece. ‘Get To Dancing’ is the albums penultimate track and was recorded in a BBC session, showcasing how good the band were as a live unit, another indie classic. ‘Boys That Sing’ summaries Viola Beach for me, it’s a beautiful upbeat piece of music about love. A classic! X