Buildings

As album openers go, it’s pretty hard to beat the one-two punch of ‘We Are The Foolish’ and ‘Ever So Shy’. Possibly General Fiasco’s best two numbers to date, the songs set up their debut record as a pretty potent prospect indeed, and while the band don’t quite scale those heady heights throughout the rest of the album (barring the immense title track and ‘Rebel Get By’), they do deliver some of the catchiest pop rock songs we’ve heard in a while.
The Derry three-piece are at their best when they’re providing hook-laden three-minute indie anthems, and Buildings has plenty of those. ‘I’m Not Made Of Eyes’, ‘Please Take Your Time’ and the aforementioned ‘We Are The Foolish’ pack a wallop of Ultimate Warrior-sized proportions and ‘Ever So Shy’ is an outstanding slice of power-pop that is sure to be one of the singles of the year. At times the record loses its way (‘Sinking Ships,’ ‘First Impressions’) but the likes of ‘Rebel’ ensure that Buildings has a solid foundation that can weather the odd creative misfire. Don’t be surprised to see this one in next year’s Choice Music Prize list.