Hot Press meets The Answer

A new label means a New Horizon for our favourite rockers, The Answer. While their fourth album comes out in the wake of some serious career set-backs, as frontman Cormac Neeson reveals in the following track-by-track guide, their latest is the work of “a group of people who refuse to lie down”.
 
‘New Horizon’
The title-track of the album and the first song we wrote with the new record in mind. I think the tune sets out our stall with regards to the kind of statement we are trying to make this time around. It’s a song about aspiration and survival and it’s got a riff that should take your head off.
‘Leave With Nothing’
The guys really enjoy playing this one. The main riff wouldn’t seem out of place on a Rage Against The Machine record. But it belongs to us. It’s about the need to define yourself and not to let anyone else do it for you.
‘Spectacular’
Without doubt the most optimistic song we’ve ever written. We’ve chosen ‘Spectacular’ as the first single for this record. Partly because it’s a rockin’ tune. And also because it captures the sentiment of a band and a group of people who refuse to lie down. The video for this one was banned by YouTube. We’re quite proud of that as well.
‘Speak Now’
We co-wrote this one with our producer Toby Jepson, so the result is something a little different to anything we’ve done in the past. That search for something different and that need to step out of our comfort zone are essential components to this record.
‘Somebody Else’
It’s songs like this that make me glad I’m not a drummer, as James has to hold down a relentless double time snare beat virtually throughout the entire song. But it’s that very groove that makes it so special and will hopefully be the cause of many a spilt pint on the dancefloor for years to come.
‘Concrete’
I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that this is the heaviest song we’ve ever written and maybe the dirtiest. I’m really looking forward to taking this one on the road just to see our supporters’ reaction. I’m hoping for moshpits and crowd surfing all round on this one. I might even join in.

‘Call Yourself A Friend’
A gem of a song if you don’t mind me saying so. At times it sounds a bit like an Incubus/Led Zeppelin love child. Before listening to this one you might want to pour yourself a glass of something, maybe even light one up, and enjoy the ride.
‘Baby Kill Me’
You can make your own minds up regarding what this song is about. Co-written with a friend of ours called Cosmo Jarvis, it draws on our blues influences without becoming too anecdotal. This song like pretty much all the songs on the record was recorded in a very stripped down fashion with very few over-dubs and unnecessary backing vocals. ‘Baby Kill Me’ sounds like a live band rocking out, which is exactly what it is.
‘Burn You Down’
All we’re trying to say here is that we won’t be bullied into accepting a situation we’re not happy with. It’s easy to accept decisions made in your name. But if they’re not the right decisions then you have to put up a fight to maintain your own vision of the way things should be.
‘Scream A Louder Love’
The message is to approach life with an all-consuming passion and intent. A fitting way to conclude an album that has exorcised demons and cemented resolve throughout. The Answer are back. We’re hungrier than we’ve ever been before and were coming to get you!