Since first emerging in 2004, Glasgow's Sons & Daughters have steadily developed from a sleazy minimalist blues-rock act to an altogether more enthralling musical proposition, blending hints of Motown and Pop into their unpolished garage rock mix.
'This Gift', their third and most accessible album, initially begins where its murky predecessor, 'The Repulsion Box', left off.
Opener 'Gilt Complex' is all dark, sleazy and abrasive pop spat out by a feisty vocal from Adele Bethel, before things begin to steadily shift.
'Split Lips' brings with it a slice of indie pop that sees some light thrown upon Sons & Daughters otherwise gloomy corners - the menacing lyrics contrasting well with the light melodic shades.
Similarly, 'The Nest' sees the band bleed with colour as Motown begins to swing around the back corners without compromising the group's often intense and ferocious sharp-shock sound.
'Darling' meanwhile bares a distinct Sixties pop influence, echoing The Libertines in parts as Scott Paterson's guitar sounds bounce off Bethel's simple, swirling melodies.
Much of the light to their trademark darkness doubtless stemmed from the recruitment of Bernard Butler (Suede, McAlmont & Butler) on production duties. A Sixties obsessive, as a producer Butler is all about big, sweeping anthemic sounds, though here he's forcefully held back at times.
With stories of much studio arguing between band and producer, the record often sounds in parts like it wants to explode down one musical avenue but is prevented from doing so by a four-piece trying to remain rooted to their denim and leather roots. It's this clash of musical worlds which is one of the main factors in 'This Gift' sounding so good in parts.
Butler is toned down to about 30%, which is enough to freshen up Sons & Daughters often one-dimensional sound of the past without losing any bite. On 'Iodine' they sound not unlike The Cure meshed with The La's, while The Libertines and Blondie creep into 'The Bell'.
In all, 'This Gift' is a brighter, more melodic album than previous records, and all the better for it.
Steve Cummins
