Left Side Brain -- Big Bang Theory

Big Bang Theory is the 8-song mini-album from local rockers Left Side Brain, a band who in recent months have carved out a reputation as being a live act worthy of note. I once described them as being "like Creed, but good", a description that I don't think went down too well with the band themselves but I stand by it. Like Creed, Left Side Brain are able to add plenty of cool vocal harmonies to their sound but unlike Creed they've got a pretty good sound to start off with anyway.

Opening track 'Quarantine' is a mid-tempo rocker that pretty much sets the template for the album as a whole. Straight away you get the feeling that this band aren't interested in being 'cool' or in following the latest trends; they just want to play rock music that moves you on the most basic level possible. Why else would they include the frankly Iron Maiden-esque twin guitar break at the end of the song?!

Don't let that put you off though. Although Left Side Brain do have one foot planted firmly in the old-school their music definitely has a contemporary edge. The guitar sound is nicely abrasive, and the previously mentioned vocal harmonies go down a treat. Mmmm...

As you'd expect from an unsigned band, the production isn't that hot, and I have to say that with the exception of the slower 'Threes & Fours', most of the songs seem to follow the same general formula, albeit rather a good formula. I get the impression that 'Up To You' and 'While You Wait' seem to be 'Left Side Brain by numbers'. They're good, but don't seem to pack the same punch as say 'Typical Virtues' or album closer 'Pick Up Pieces'.

But that's just a minor nitpick really. 36 minutes of quality rock has got to be worth a fiver of anybody's money. Put simply, Left Side Brain produce good old-fashioned foot-tapping rock music. So go and enjoy!


-- Mister Al

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