Hailing from Camden, four-piece Tribes are the latest band to be coveted as the new saviours of Rock’n’Roll. Gaining support from Radio One, coupled with critical acclaim from The Mystery Jets, Tribes’ first album has been eagerly anticipated ever since the release of their first (and may I add brilliant) EP in April last year.
Baby is an obvious continuation of their musical exploration. The tracklist uses the two title tracks of their previous EPs, adding nine brand- spanking new ditties, including 2011 single ‘Sappho’.
Sounding faintly like a collaboration between the Arctic Monkeys and The Libertines, ‘Sappho’ displays front man Johnny Lloyd’s vocals in a delightful manner. Even if he sounds scarily similar to a modern configuration of Glam-Rock star T. Rex. There are also a surprising amount of softer ballads on the album. Tracks ‘Himalaya’ and ‘Nightdriving’ would not sound out of place as the backing to a classic The O.C. montage.
The album’s stand-out track ‘We Were Children’ is anthemic and rousing. Exactly the kind of single needed to propel the band to the dizzying heights of teen-cool they yearn for. ‘When My Day Comes’ is equally catchy and rousing, as is ‘Whenever’. Tribes frequently prove that when it comes to making anthems, they’ve mastered the formula.
However, the problem with Tribes’ sound is that it’s strangely familiar. There is nothing refreshingly original about it. A similar kind of hype surrounded fellow London band The Vaccines last year; the difference being that The Vaccines were deserving of being accredited as the ‘next best thing’ in rock.
Baby showcases good, hard-working, honest Rock’n’Roll from a band desperate to be at the forefront of the genre’s revival. It’s easy to see why they already have a dedicated following. With 2012 promising, as well as an album, a tour and festival appearances over the summer, they are sure to win over many more fans.