Beady Eye: Be

“I could write Daft Punk’s ‘Get Lucky’ in an hour,” says the forever shy and retiring Liam Gallagher. “Take your fucking helmet off. Let’s see what you look like sans helmet, whatever you’re called.”
Ah yes, it’s great that big mouth is back, Liam! But will the tunes stand up after the decidedly mixed reaction to Beady Eye’s debut Different Gear, Still Speeding?
The first thing that will raise a monobrowed eyebrow or two is the choice of producer. Dave Sitek of TV On The Radio is best-known for his work with Yeah Yeahs Yeahs and a plethora of experimental rock acts. He’s not someone you’d expect to be at the reins here – but it’s gamble that pays off. 
‘Flick Of The Finger’ is a brilliant opener that sounds like a psychedelic Oasis, replete with brass section and jazzy undertones. Sitek steers the Beadies into floaty, ambient territory with the surprising ‘Soul Love’, offering further proof – alongside the underrated, Liam-penned Oasis tune ‘Songbird’ – that the younger Gallagher can genuinely do romance.
Sadly, it’s not all as powerful. ‘Face The Crowd’ sounds a bit rushed. Meanwhile, the effects on Liam’s voice on the single ‘Second Bite Of The Apple’ sound out of place, which is a shame, because it’s a good song. Nonetheless, BE closes on a high with the dreamy ‘Start Anew’.
If Beady Eye – in essence, Oasis minus Noel – can hit these kind of peaks, they should have a long and interesting career ahead. This is a solid album. It won’t make believers out of the unconverted, but Liam’s hardcore constituency will savour its pleasing psychedelic pop.

Key Track: 'Start Anew'