Tin Alley - In Your Hands (Single)
» Tin Alley QLD/NSW tour leg cancelled - February 25, 2008
The name Tin Alley seems to evoke a sense desperation and despair, and thus seems an appropriate name for an emerging rock band. This Melbourne-based, three-piece band formed in 1998 and has since cut their teeth playing many gigs at pubs and clubs. Their new CD single “In Your Hands” is a tantalising peek into the forthcoming album “Every Turn”.
With the into of the first song ‘In Your Hands’ starts, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s just another indie band, with the clean guitar picking. But once the drums kick in and the rhythm starts, it’s an instantly likable song. Vocals are sung with cool assurance, with definite elements of the Offspring’s lead singer Dexter Holland’s punky attitude in the chorus: ‘I cannot be the one/don’t you stare at the sun’. Years of playing in pubs and hotels have helped them perfect the catchy hooks and riffs littered all over this CD.
Second song, ‘Tightrope’, has a catchy opening riff that provides a nice backdrop for the song. The vocals and chorus are less memorable, however, and after repeated listenings I still can’t remember how this song goes. A slow chorus makes the song drag in some places.
Like ‘Tightrope’, third song ‘Close’ starts off with sweet guitar playing, but the vocals are sung without any feeling and gives the song a mundane feeling. The guitar solo gives an indication of how awesome this band might sound live, but is not enough to elevate the song into something great.
Last song, ‘Contact’ is quite catchy, and would be an obvious crowd pleaser played live. Starting off ominously, it quickly turns around with the strong rhythm of the drums. ‘Take me beyond my dreams and hopes’ implores the singer, leading to a rocky, uplifting song. It finishes the CD on a high note, thanks to some fancy fretwork. While “In Your Hands” has some high moments, it is a bit hit-and-miss and at time I wish the songs could have been played with more grunt and balls to evoke the loudness and excitement of a real gig.
