Normally Ralph only blogs unsigned UK Indie, but now and again some mainstream goodness drops in the kennel that peaks his interest and when 'Indefensible', the new EP by London based Alt/Rockers The Actions arrived it was time for some rule bending (Their first album 'Real' was licensed to Nikita Music, a Brazilian record label and released in Latin America).
Comprised of five tracks that range from the EP's dark and brooding eponymous 'Indefensible' to the light almost La Roux-esque synth pop vocal of lead track 'The Echo' (Ralph's giving that a spin on Radio KC this Sunday) with its inbuilt, choppy 80's pop guitar al la Haircut 100 and Marta's consistently impeccable vocals.
There's almost a 'Manchester bands' feel leading into 'Counting All Days' but the second track on the EP continues in an 'all things to all men' vein, drawing from different genres to make one complete whole as The Actions drift into dreampopiness.
The Echo by The Actions
'So Still' reaffirms the darker side of the band that previous track 'Indefensible' brought to the table, with an ethereal vocal sprinkled between some driving guitar with menacing drums and bass creating an almost psychedelic dreamscape.The Actions change a gear slightly on the trip-hoppier instrumental fifth track 'Clouding Over Pt 1' and it's an almost prog rock concept album hat tilt which personally I love (OK, so I'm an old git) and have on repeat.
Upcoming dates...
07/06/2014 - LANIFICIO 25 - Lanificio 25 - Piazza Enrico De Nicola, 46 - 80139, Napoli, IT
08/06/2014 - COFFEA - Coffea - Via San Carlo, 48, 81100, Caserta, IT
24/06/2014 - Symptomatic Presents at THE MACBETH - The Macbeth - 70 Hoxton Street, Shoreditch, N1 6LP, London
09/08/2014 - SURYA - Surya - 156 Pentonville Road, King’s Cross, N1 9JL, London
20/09/2014 - Old School Indie at O2 ISLINGTON ACADEMY 2 - O2 Academy 2 - N1 Centre, 16 Parkfield St, Islington, N1 0PS, London
Check out their immaculate live performance of 'Indefensible' at London's Proud Camden - where Ralph recently held the Ralph's Life CD all-day charity gig...
Stuff other people have said...
"This is one lab experiment where everything's gone according to plan"The Sound Of Confusion“What’s really impressive is that The Actions are able to thread all these twists and turns together with ease, and it makes for one hell of a trip!”Fresh On The Net
"Tremendous songs, swish feel, good ideas, man there's stuff going on here…"
Bug Bear Promotions
"Did the sound at Underbelly for The Actions last night. Completely the type of band I am training in live engineering for. CHECK 'EM OUT!!"Adam Ritchie - Point Blank"The Actions played a very stylish set…very good to hear Mo Stellato and co. do their thing."
Roger Mairlot, The Gig Slut
