Never Enough Notes e-zine // reviews + interviews + music

Samba Samba Samba  is the debut mini-album of Scottish pop-punk group Lightguides.

As someone who avoided the noughties pop/punk/emo trend like Ghaddaffi dodging Tomahawks, I have to say I was a little reticent about the idea of there still being remnents of the ‘Blink’ influence in 2011 (I have been known to swear at DJs for playing My Chemical Romance and walk out of clubs after hearing the first bar of a Panic At The Disco! song).

However, within the first few bars of the Biffy–esque opener ‘Warhorse’, LightGuides have won me over. Perhaps it’s the fact that singer Mark Cowan hasn’t tried to mimick that irritating Pacific vocal sound, instead letting himself sound like, well, himself. His style almost reminds me of Frank Turner (when he was in Million Dead, not when got all acoustic and whiney). The big, singalong chorus (a recurring theme throughout the album) does remind me a little of Fall Out Boy, but it’s OK, because they remind me of how FOB would have sounded if they had reached puberty and learned to drink pints instead of sugar-free Pepsi.

The album joyously continues with delicate moments that are followed by big, catchy choruses and interesting time changes, which come together to quickly charm the listener.

The one weak point in my opinion is ‘Old Bucket Seats’, which could have been a belter if only it flowed a little better. The lyrics are beautiful, but it feels musically disjointed. That might have been the sound they were going for, but it doesn’t work for me.

So, if you’re like me and would normally consider the use of IEDs as a legitimate way of ending a pop-punk disco then listen to LightGuides, and you might find yourself changing your mind.

Lightguides are currently on tour with Jumping Ships, catch them on the following dates:

25.08.11 Thurso, The New Market Bar
26.08.11 Dundee, Dexters
27.08.11 Glenrothes, The Greenside
28.08.11 Glasgow, King Tuts