Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
Brighton is famous for many things. It is full if history, a passion that burns brightly, the capital of gay culture in the U.K. , the comedian Max Miller, The Levellers, the filming of Oh, What A Lovely War! and the superb Brighton Rock all reside in the very fabric in one of the most beautiful cities in the south coast of England. Arguably only Plymouth and Dover are more historic and only Bournemouth is more picturesque. All this wrapped up in one city, it’s no wonder that there is a vibe, a certain acceptance to be creative in the area and the band The Common Tongues enhance this reputation and with their E.P. Tether & Twine look set to add another notable notch to the bedpost of Brighton life.
If audiences haven’t come across the name of this band yet, surely they will soon as something this eloquent, so very beautiful doesn’t stay hidden in the back streets and pier rooms of Brighton for long. Brighton people have always been proud of whatever comes out of their town, Max Miller made sure of that in his time and now for the 21st Century the Common Tongues will be used in the same exulted terms and for the very simple fact that they sound so brilliant, so tantalisingly cool that they just ooze class and understanding of the medium they are exploring.
From the stunning opener of Solitary Thinker with its dichotomy of haunting melody and cutting lyrics to the insightful Who Said Word’s A Weapon, Praying To God and Cold As the Devil, the E.P. highlights the exceptional way in which Tom Anderson, Oli Hinkins, Andrew Stuart-Buttle, Daniel Somers and James Drohan have worked together to make the music not just stand out but wave a very big flag from the iconic pier proclaiming that music in the south of the country is very much alive.
Andrew Stuart-Buttle should also be proud of his contribution as he possesses the talent on violin and mandolin that marks him out as one of the finest young players around. When coupled with the other members of the band and the outstanding, deeply satisfying lyrics which haunt the songs, it is a force to be savoured.
Tether &Twine is an excellent E.P. which urges the listener to really take in every note and demand that the band create more stirring tracks.
Ian D. Hall