Lyke Giants have managed to achieved both a grandiose and understated sound. Fresh sleek sounds embedded in the hollow vocals of James Brewer. Clean guitar licks, with a hint of grunge, accompaniment by keys and classic rock drums create a large atmospheric sound for the Australian three-piece. There’s a squeeze of California in the debut record where it was recorded, with rock-like beats and pop-like sounds understated throughout the record.
Praise must go to producer Sylvia Massy and her engineer Glen Sawyer who have seamlessly mastered Fires Thieving Time. It is effortlessly listenable all the way through. Massy requested to work with Giants after hearing their EP. It is a strong debut, with the Giants’ showing potential. The only danger is in a saturated music industry they must step above the pack and secure their signature sound. There is a slight Brit Pop sound to vocalist Brewer, which in Australia works but may not in others where it is commonplace.
There is also no obvious lead single from this album, both refreshing and concerning. ‘Raise’ is probably in contention. Opening track ‘Waiver is another one. ‘Fall’ is my personal favourite which leads in with soft piano. On further listens tracks begin to singularly cultivate. Fires Thieving Time has the lusciousness of a soundtrack. Its dark nature would be well suited to a Twilight soundtrack or something of the like.
Giants’ songs feel more conceptually and sound driven, rather than lyrically. They are pieced together in an interesting separateness, but bridged together in patches, creating a balance of sharper anarchic sounds and fluidity.It will be interesting to see where the album takes the boys and how they develop.
Alteco
6.5/10
Reviewer: Jessica Kellar