1. Push Back!
2. Unique
3. I'm Not Leaving
4. Protest Music
5. Sending Cards
6. Fairytales
7. Ecoutez Moi
8. For Better Or For Worse?
9. Come And Make Me Feel Right
10. Something You Can't Regret
11. Done Me Wrong
Chivalry may be dead, but it would seem the age of The Gentlemen is just beginning.
And A Candid History of Faith, Hope and Love is the perfect introduction. Their combination
of memorable hooks, driving rhythms and incredible musicianship guide you on a musical
journey to the centre of the human psyche.
But don't be put off by the title. Whilst the chosen subject matter may stray into
Mariah territory, this is indie rock at its best and there isn't a ballad in sight. So
to quote frontman Nicholas Noble: "It's time to go for a ride."
Direct and to the point, 'Push Back' is immediately attention grabbing.
The rumbling bassline calls to mind a car engine with the fast drum beat adding
the impression of speed. On top of all this, Noble's lyrics describe the perfect journey
with friends and tantalisingly invite you along for the ride.
'Sending Cards' is the first single from the album and for obvious reasons. Instantly
memorable, the catchy chorus begs to be performed in front of thousands on a festival
stage. Fast-paced and rhythmical, drummer Joel Cana drives the track forward, while
backing vocals from his brother Josh and guitarist Sean Walsh add another dimension
to Noble's lead vocals.
With influences ranging from Rage against the Machine to J.S. Bach, The Gentlemen are
never without a trick up their sleeve. The closest thing to a ballad, 'For Better Or For Worse,'
adds a touch of strings to bulk out the band's standard four-piece setup with incredible effect.
It's rare to find a band who sound as convincing playing acoustically as performing at full volume.
It's even rarer to find one comfortable enough to include an acoustic track on an album. But in this
case it would have been a travesty not to. Completely devoid of any enhancement 'Come And Make
Me Feel Right' brings out the best of The Gentlemen's sound. A Capella Noble's voice sounds intimate
and inviting, proving once and for all the versatility of his voice.
The Gentlemen have already garnered a sizeable following in their native North East. But if the
musicianship demonstrated on A Candid History of Faith, Hope and Love is at all indicative of their
live performance it's easy to see why. This truly is indie rock at its best.
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