Louder Than The Music

It's always something of a gamble reviewing the debut release from an unsigned band. These days it's easy for someone to produce a CD with minimal cost, effort or even talent, so you never know what you're going to get. Diego were first formed in 2007 by Jackson Brown (vocals, guitars) and Neil Kelly (keyboards) who spent a year doing the open mic circuit in Bristol before the addition of band members Kieran Jefferson (vocals, guitars), Matt Wilson (bass) and Pete Moore (drums) at the start of 2009.

The band may have humble ambitions, keyboardist Neil Kelly told me they are "just trying to 'break' Bristol at the moment", but the initial impression of Diego's debut EP 'Surrendered' was certainly not that of a bunch of amateurs. Beautifully designed cover artwork and professionally recorded and mixed audio show they are serious. But the proof, as they say, is in the pudding.

Opening title track 'Surrendered' instantly draws obvious comparisons to Coldplay, with its moody nonchalance, rising to several falsetto moments in the pre-chorus. All the main components are there, guitars, bass and drums all sound excellent. The gentle use of keyboards in the mix is subtle but notable, and the vocal ranges of the singers are aptly demonstrated throughout.

In second track 'Another Place' the vocals are more reminiscent of indie bands of the past, such as James or Crowded House. It is an atmospheric mid tempo song, opening out into a brooding instrumental extended ending where the band's musical strengths shine out splendidly. Final song 'Leaving' instantly feels more upbeat. The backing vocals harmonise skillfully and the song has the feel of a movie sound track during a montage scene.

Diego will have done themselves no harm with this 3 track introductory EP. The one problem they may have is that the sound they so excellently achieve is similar in style to many other bands out there at the moment. Have they got enough to stand out from the crowd? Only time will tell, but judging from these early signs, Diego has the potential for great things. Make a note of the name and keep your eye on them for the future.

Review by Dave Wood

LTTM Rating 3 out of 5 Stars
Stand out track
Surrendered