Cord- 'Other Peoples Lives'

CORD - Other Peoples Lives(Are not as perfect as they seem)

This is a refreshing, positive album, and it lights up the traditionally singles and best of based market at this time of year. From the first track, Go Either Way, which comes to life with Synths and powerful guitar, you can tell this is going to be an album with longevity, with plenty of interest. The songs are both melodically strong and lyrically astute, as James Leeds(guitar/vocals) takes us on a journey through what he perceives about 'Other Peoples lives', at times satirical and heartwarmingly honest. 'Sea Of Trouble' is undoubtedly one of the strongest songs on the album, with optimism and sadness epitomised at the same time over delicate sounding guitar. The delicate lyrical nature of some of the songs does not take away their sheer power and in 'Winter' they have a very strong single, which builds into something of an anthem. The album does take a darker route for a couple of songs with 'Already Lost' an epic song with a strong hint of Muse and Nirvana as an influence, and 'Better Days' a hard hitting but optimistic song.
Cord seem to have hit on something very good in this album. Their sound is varied and different enough so as they are not labelled as just another 'muse or coldplay' and with the ability to produce such music they should gain much recognition and sucess in 2007.