Play 90 second soundbite of 'Don't Run' @ 'CD quality'
Up-Lift comprise Richard Dixon (vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards), James Roberts (bass, vocals, keyboards, ocarina) and Andrew Hawksworth (drums, percussion, lip organ). Instrumentally, Up-Lift sound damn good; they pack quite a punch and have some very cool ideas that set them apart somewhat from many of the more straight-laced 'indie' bands around at the moment. Vocally though, things are slightly wayward - this is perhaps not their strong point but they still give it a go. Saying that, the looseness gives a slight flavour of punkability, a sort of back-handed swipe at vocal normality which in itself says something about Up-Lift's attitude and approach.
The overall feel of Up-Lift is still very much one of indie rocksters. They definitely know what they're doing instrumentally and their song writing is expansive and quite impressive - there's some very good material here with good variation both within and between songs. The arrangements are at times innovative and pretty impressive. For me, I keep coming back to the, slightly discordant vocals; this is definitely an area that still needs work - perhaps they should consider bringing in a vocal specialist to really finish off what is essentially a good unit.
Up-Lift show great potential with 'The Prometheus EP'. Strong songs that are well crafted overall and distinctly fresh and inherently likeable. I don't think they're quite 'there' yet - but not far off!
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