“The Tracks may be holed up in
Chorlton but their three chord strikes are certainly memorable. “How Many Times”
is a slow motion version of something like The Ramones hooked up to the Velvet
Underground. It’s an interesting formula and out of the woodwork come hints of
the Jesus And Mary Chain. As the guitar twists around the verse, a flat single
chord preludes the bluesy riff explosions that build up the song beneath the
monotone melody. A similar theme ekes out of the remaining tracks. “Beautiful
Me, Beautiful You” is more upbeat, soaked in a dark, tuneful roll of sharp
guitar and layered distortions. There’s a vibrant undertone to this whole EP –
bits of glam, shoegazing and urban country all seem present – a breath of fresh
air, even if it does look over its shoulder at the twilight sounds of the
alternative eighties. 4/5”
Manuel Ecostos - Manchestermusic.co.uk
Born in a bedroom in Whalley Range, the music of The Tracks has previously drawn comparison with reference points as varied as the Jesus & Mary Chain, Dylan, The Strokes and the Velvet Underground. But, from the insistent clatter of “About Time” to the dark groove of “Beautiful Me, Beautiful You”, through to the euphoric release of “It Doesn’t Matter”, this is clearly a band with its own voice.
The band began as Steve and Chris working on original songs in late 2003. Mark joined the line up in 2004, and Paul and Ged in 2005. The first demos were recorded at the Voodoo Suite studios in Salford in January 2006, and the band’s first live appearance came at Dry Bar in April that year. The band have been gigging regularly in Manchester since, taking in venues including Jabez Clegg, Night & Day, the Late Room and Club Academy. The band have also self-recorded several songs, with Mark on production duties, including “How Many Times”, “Beautiful Me, Beautiful You” and “It Doesn’t Matter”, all available on this site.
As the end of 2007 approached, and after close to two years recording and performing as a five- piece band, Ged announced he was leaving The Tracks and moving to New Zealand for two years. After discussions, the band were unanimous in deciding he should not be replaced. Instead, The Tracks would drop one guitar from their mix, and Steve and Mark would take turns on bass.
A two-month hiatus between live appearances enabled the band to retreat to the rehearsal room and find out what material still worked, and what would have to be left behind. The loss of a member had exposed each member that bit more, forced each to work harder and brought the band closer together as tighter, leaner unit. And crucially, Steve & Mark had a bag load of new tunes ready to bring to the table, perfectly suited to the 4-piece.
Ambitiously, the band decided to start 2008 with a set that was mainly new material, keeping only three songs from the five-piece cannon: “Beautiful Me Beautiful You”, “It Doesn’t Matter” and “Untitled”. The thundering bass line of the new set opener “Statement Of Intent” is exactly that. The twin guitar assault has gone, but the bass will more than fill the gap.
Live, the band will be gigging regularly in Manchester throughout 2008. With new material and a new focus, they will be worth catching sooner rather than later.