Afterhere - Addict

*****

A little slice of Heaven!!!

You might have the temptation to think you have seen one of Afterhere's members before, well you have as one part of 80's Electronic pioneers Heaven 17. Glenn Gregory who adds the infamous sounding vocals to all Heaven 17's hits, which include some of the 80's most memorable songs. 'Temptation, Come live with Me' and 'Crushed by the wheels of Industry' are three of the songs, that were on my jukebox all my childhood.

Most side projects don't live up to expectations, but this one is different. The songs are so strong, and the melodies are to die for... to be honest I was totally shocked when I put this on. Because from start to finish I was totally hooked, this is a record I really want to own... it is brilliant in every way.

The album opens with the title track 'Addict', which is a nice Pop / Electronic song with simplistic lyrics and amazing harmonises. These harmonies deliver a sound that is atmospheric, but at the same time could be the soundtrack to a blockbuster movie. The female vocals by Berenice Scott are beautiful and haunting at the same time, making this a great start to their debut album.

Second track 'Blackout' continues on where 'Addict' left off, sounding a little like the early work of Clare Maguire mixed with Hurts. 'It's Ok' has to be released as a single, I can imagine this being played in commercials or on mainstream radio during the day. It is so catchy and infectious, that you find yourself singing a long with it... and you have only just heard it. This is a sure fire hit, and a track you just have to listen to.

The album slows down for a love song called 'A place to Be', which is just so beautiful and epic. This has to be used in a Romance movie, it has that blockbuster film feel to it. The way this track stops and starts, is just mesmorising and keep you enthralled in the track. The first vibes of Heaven 17 come on 'Breaking Rules', which is a classic 80's Electronic sounding song. You can imagine Glenn Gregory actually singing this himself, but Berenice has really made it her own and different.

Glenn doesn't do any vocals until the track 'Dark Star', which is a nice but evil... little duet. Where you can see how strong the chemistry between them is, they really have a strong connection together. I really love this song, because it reminds me of so many of my favourite chart hits from the 90's. 'After the Night' the next track up, is a smoother love affair for the ones who are loved or have loved.

Track eight is a slowed down version of 'All along the Watchtower' the song made famous by Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix but also has had versions by Neil Young and Dave Matthews Band. It is nice, but to be honest they did not need to put it on the album. They could have just added it as a bonus track, because I think Afterhere's music stands out on it's own. This track does blend in nicely with 'I won't Cry' though, so this might be why they put it on the album.

'Unbroken' is a really nice track, but I might have saved this for the next release... because next to the last track 'Worship' which I really love it doesn't stand out as much. 'Worship' is a great song to end the album on, it really gives you the feel of something ending. This is a record I have to add to my collection, these days I don't run out much to the record store to get an album. But this is one I have to own, and put next to my Heaven 17 12 inchs. 

You should not think of Afterhere though as just any side project, this band and record stands out on it's own merit and is as good if not better than Heaven 17 or other 80's or 90's classic albums. Yes! this is an instant classic, and I really love it. The only criticism I have on the record is, that as a debut I might have made the album a eight track affair... short and sweet ending the same with 'Worship'.

Review by Dan Devour 

Check Out! the Video for 'Addict' Below...