PASTEL – SOULS IN MOTION – ALBUM REVIEW

“A great album should take you on a journey and there can be no doubt that Pastel have 100% delivered with their debut album with ‘Souls in Motion’. It’s an exciting phase for the band who have already achieved so much already, and is sure to propel them into the stratosphere of super stardom.”

You might have heard of Pastel. After all, not many bands can count supporting Liam Gallagher at Knebworth as one of their claims to fame. If you haven’t heard of them, I am sure that’s about to change. Regardless, here’s the lowdown ahead of a review of their debut album.

Blending Welsh and Irish connections with Mancunian roots in the shape of cousins Jack (lead singer) and James (guitar) yates. Accompanied by Ireland native Aaron Tormey (lead guitar) plus Swansea boys Liam O’Shea (bass) and sticks man Rhys Wheeler. Whilst there is something warm and familiar with the bands sound, make no mistake, they bring their own style of music.

After what feels like an eternity, The wait is finally over as Pastel unleash their debut album ‘Souls in Motion’. The ten track long player from the Swansea/Manchester 5 piece is laced with all the Shoegaze and Madchester sounds you’ve come to know and love. Let me tell you, the wait was worth it.

Kicking off with ‘Heroes Blood’, the album sets its stall out from the off. A hazy vocal from front man Jack Yates and those unmistakable gritty guitars. The track that builds with that glowing Madchester sound. It just pours out of the speakers effortlessly and I dare you not to nod your head along.

‘Your day’ opens with Pounding, almost tribal percussion. Blaring guitars and a relentless bass really takes you on an aural journey with this one. Has almost a Placebo-esque percussion in parts (think ‘Pure Morning’) With uplifting singalong lyrics, this is going to be a real crowd pleaser at the live shows.

‘Dancing on a pin’ flows effortlessly from the previous track. Another anthemic sounding track with relatable vocals that just pour out of the track. A tune that comes with all the guitar swagger that you’d expect from the band.

Pastel introduces a change of pace as ‘Isaiah’ takes the tempo down a notch. A more evocative track with some intricate guitar elements. Jack’s vocal has an almost haunting quality as the lyrics resonate through the song.

‘Running on empty’ is such a clever song. It brings the pace back up a little. An energetic track with a relentless rolling rhythm. The lyrics twist and turn and as the song progresses it evolves into a more laid back sound. You could easily be forgiven for thinking that the song is actually two tracks merged together.

The second half of the album commences with ‘Deeper Than Holy’. Introducing a funkier guitar line produces such an immersive sound. With deeper lyrics (pardon the pun) it highlights a band that scratches deep below the surface when composing their music.

Another track which showcases Jack’s vocal versatility comes along in ‘Gone Too Fast’. A lazy, hazy track with some delicate guitars that has an almost 70’s vibe. You can hear the bands Manchester influences in this one as the hectic nature of the tracks make way for a more rounded approach.

‘Leave A Light On ( A velvet Storm)’ takes you in a whole new direction. A throwback to some nineties sounds but with Pastels own twist. Pianos and Strings really elevate the track and for me it’s a song which will stand the test of time.

Penultimate track ‘Sunny Side’ continues the laid back melodic approach. A shimmering shining track which evokes thoughts of long days, and warm weather. A far cry from the current climate. A perfect chilled out song which just rumbles on effortlessly.

The boys close the album out with ‘Escape’ another thoughtful and melodic track which is the longest on the release. Great albums take you on a journey and there can be no doubt that Pastel have delivered with ‘Souls in Motion’. It’s an exciting phase for a band that have already achieved so much already.

Check Out ‘SOULS IN MOTION’ here now