The Race - Be Your Alibi

Kicking off proceedings with new single ‘Find Out’, complete with climactic chorus and frenzied instrumentalisation, here begins a glorious assault on the eardrums, with twelve mini-epics that transport you through a spectrum of emotions. With these nuggets of high-octane pop-rock, you can forget the prozac; a dose of The Race will cure that lethargy straight off. ‘Tom Song’ to name just one, is a 2:32 shot of adrenaline, probably tantamount to a tube of Smarties or a bottle of Coke, whilst ‘Raising Children’ is perfect for when you want the festival season to just keep on going in the confines of your bedroom.

With lyrics that are soulful but never seething, it’s refreshing to finally see a band not bathed in malevolance. They’re just out there to have a good time. Forthcoming single ‘When It Falls’ has the naivety of The Go! Team, with its playground pastiche sending the listener back to childhood to recall ‘the faces I have seen’, but with a pounding chorus that contrasts with the innocent glockenspiel backing.

Whilst their sound is by no means unique, it’s rare to see a band giving so much so consistently throughout their album, so you’d better make that cup of tea before you stick the CD on. Despite what the title may imply, you can say with pride that you’re listening to The Race’s debut.