Headed up by a remarkable front man, Sharp Practise mix catchy unforgettable melody with thought provoking lyrics. Since 1999 this Nigel Clothier fronted quartet has been delivering thoughtful, coasting rock with heart, sincerity and pride. Sharp Practise play classic English rock, with more than a nod towards folk and blues. The emphasis on Banging The Rocks is on songs, hook laden and heartfelt. If this is the notoriously difficult third album, the first two must have been a breeze.
Sharp Practise have conjured another melodic and simple album that’d easily sit alongside most MOR rock albums of the last decade. It’s constantly chipper, catchy, uplifting, conscientious (songs cover the environment, growing up, and even European history) with light touches, wit and summery sounds of a tight and smiling band.
Sharp Practise is a band that could sparkle at the Little River Band end of the harmony led rock market. Banging The Rocks certainly has its moments with some clever word plays and gentle catchy choruses that would stand repeated scrutiny on the radio. The lyrics are honest and straight and the instruments are beautifully played to create a sound that is distinguished and relaxing.
Nigel Clothier has fronted Sharp Practise for eleven years now, and it shows. Banging The Rocks is rock with a real heart to it. Sound of Rock is a low-key celebratory track with a witty lyric and some great guitar playing by Simon Foley. Screw The Earth is a bitter look at the environmental issues facing us all. The tune is upbeat and tight to boot. Monsoon Rain is an upbeat, happy tune with some great guitar lines. Clothier’s vocal is energized also. It’s a terrific album all told.
In order to mark their longevity in the music industry they capture their friendly, searching live sound into a bounding 12 twelve track live album. The songs roll along very naturally. “Now You See Us" is full of simple, thoughtful rock tinged faintly with folk and blues. A fabulously eclectic album showing many aspects to their work. The passion is undeniable; the music is technically clever and accomplished.
And, what better way to open up proceedings than with the mild blues echo and harrowing string led, 'Bridge Across the Harbour'? It is taken from their understated 'Radiocity' album of 2005. Clothier slides his vocals out, as he tells of spiritual redemption flitting between a grueling edge and a sense of relief.
Recent number, 'I'm Gone', whilst continuing their sultry vein shows that Sharp Practise are not just flighty rockers. Here they project a buzzing, fuzzed up bass element and twining guitars rub against Clothier's lightweight and nimble vocal projection. Benchmark offering 'Eve Got Adam', is a reminder of their brooding tendencies and again allows the bass to take over. 'Season Of The Rose', is a trickling acoustic led, gospel folk touching effort that shows up the calming touch and inner delving of this quartet.
Spindling acoustic ballad, 'No Thanks' speaks of the regret at the end of a relationship and Clothier, at times, does a stirring James Taylor impersonation. 'How Katie Feels' is swooning, low-key British rock that has ample heart, feeling and a compelling narrative. Sharp Practise, with this exposure of their live pull, has managed to underline their status as a versatile and genuine act.
Watch the video for Sound Of Rock, the opening track from our new album Banging The Rocks on our videos page
here.
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Sharp Practise formed in 1999 and has released four albums, Hiya (2000), Radiocity (2005,) Banging The Rocks (2009) and Now You See Us (2010). We have won several awards, including a Kweevak Award in 2006 and a UK New Music Award in 2007.
Banging The Rocks is out now on the Ryeharbour Records label. It is available at
CD Baby, and various outlets worldwide either as a full CD or as track by track downloads. For more details contact
admin@sharppractise.com. See our videos on YouTube
here.
