Econoline - Full Tar - CD (2002)

Labels: Seriously Groovy
Review by: Andy Malcolm

Well, Econoline must be one of them ‘real’ bands, they have an album out and now here is a single too at the same time, the single features different versions of songs they have already done, and the ‘Line are also embarking on a UK tour. To promote the album I bet. Heheh. Anyways, lets concentrate on the music instead of teasing.

“Full Tar” is taken from theaforementioned album, a record which I really like rather a lot. And this is a quality example of what their record is all about. Melodic indie / rock with a bit of bite and flavour. Lots of soaring guitar and vocals followed by mellow moments that make it very instant and enjoyable. It has some peak moments where it seriously reminds me of early Christie Front Drive, and that’s good enough for me.

There are two extra songs on here. First is “Goodbye Blue Monday” (who were a pretty good band) which I am pretty sure is a slowed down version of a song they have released before, it sounds familiar. It’s all very sad and slow, with glacial guitars and effects in the background, gradually picking up in the volume and pace at it pootles along. I find it reminiscent of the first (and good) Gloria Record 12″, this is definitely a good ‘un. After that is “the Flypast is Go!”, and it is an acoustic version of an album song where Ian sings and plays guitar down a drainpipe and into a dictaphone.

Well, I guess this is probably worth picking up if you are new to Econoline and want to hear what they sound like. People who already own the album would possibly want to hear the alternative version of other songs, I don’t know. The GBM track is very good in it’s new guise. Well, the music is as good as ever, I’ll leave it at that.