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CALM
At first sight Beats Working's 'Calm' looks like a relaxation tape with its cover depiction of mountainous islands in a sea highlighted by the sun, but this is a case where appearances are definitely deceptive - this
album contains some of the best AOR/melodic rock I've come across in a very long time.
Beats Working are John Hardman, (vocals, lead guitar and keyboards) the driving force behind the band and the main songwriter; Dave Rea on rhythm guitar and vocals;
drums and percussion by Chris Glover and Lynn Sheppard on bass and vocals. Whilst, as you can see, they're only a four piece band the sound is very full and although the songs are written in a very traditional verse/chorus format, there are little gems hidden away in each and every track - instrumental breaks, middle eights and small changes that hold the attention - there's nothing boring here, but on the other hand there's no unnecessary over-the-top excess either - this is a class act.
The scope of the songs is wide with something new appearing all the time from the wonderfully fresh and clear guitar on 'Round & Round'; the sweetly pretty 'You Never get Back'; the sing-a-long track, 'Raise Your
Hands'; the fabulous vocal harmonies of, my favourite track on this album, 'Need to Cry'; the dirty blues sound of 'Ain't No Tellin' (What Love Can Do)'; the eerily fuzzy guitar backing on 'Obsession' and the final
track 'Circles' which is, in my opinion, a masterpiece; a powerful, driving instrumental that proves that the guitar still has, and always will have, a place in music - fabulous.
Special mention must go to Tristan Greatex for his inventive graphics in the CD booklet which, although at first glance might appear to be similar to Roger Dean's, he has made all his own through the use of
hard-edged, reflective textures. (Tristan also designed Beats Working's great looking web-site!).
I notice, looking at the booklet, that this is the band's sixth album release - I can't say that I find this
surprising as this is put together so well ... for me, this is a triumph ... it may be 'Calm' but it will certainly keep you awake!!!
Available, by mail order, see our Where to Buy/Bands page for details.
Marisa 13/7/99
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