The Like

Through squinting eyes, pupils expanded, all I can see are figures shorn of features; many a man beside me, though, is enjoying the aesthetic aspect of Californian gals The Like’s latest London performance. Three girls, each fresh of face and trim of frame, are always certain to receive a thumbs up from ageing A&R men looking for the next guitar-pop band to plug the mainstream’s Busted-shaped hole; their appearance is but a bonus, sure to squeeze their debut album Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking? into the review section at Nuts and the like (no pun intended). Tonight’s performance, though, isn’t wholly inspiring: they’re decent musicians, for sure, but not once does their set suggest that they’re entirely worthy of the major label deal that’s come their way.

Of course, the trio’s history is already well documented – Daddy’s in the industry, blah blah – but The Like’s aural appeal alone does eradicate the exclusive desire to look for the hows and whys of their success thus far and subsequently writing them off as a result of said findings; instead, the hard facts are obvious. They are a good band, playing good pop songs that bounce and duck like some mid-90s British indie-rocking outfit fronted by a chanteuse straight from the extras department of The O.C.. They possess exactly zero originality, but their execution is accomplished and eye-of-the-needle exact. They are good, plain and simple. And yes, plain and simple is what these songs are.

New single ‘June Gloom’ is one of two recognisable songs – the other, ‘What I Say And What I Mean’, was released to rather less fuss back in November (although it's by far the better of the two singles, all blustering angst and desperate ambitions). Both are solid pop-rockers; glossy, slick and ready for use on the soundtrack to any teen soap. The past week’s promotional work has seen the girls swear on 6Music before the watershed and receive something of a comedy roasting from Simon Amstell on Popworld; neither has particularly endeared the threesome to the audience at large and tonight the between-song banter is non-existent. Coupled with the statuesque stance of both singer Z Berg and bassist Charlotte Froom, once can’t help but think that they don’t care so much for their crowd’s absolute enjoyment. It’s straight on, song; retune, song; some remark about something that’s completely forgettable, song. Drummer Tennessee Thomas at least rocks properly, physically: head down throughout, she smashes her sole cymbal with no little ferocity.

Sadly, then, tonight The Like are simply forgettable – good, yes, but not memorably so. Perhaps if I’d packed my glasses I’d have come away thinking differently, but this much I do know even through blurred vision: if The Like were three guys, few would give a crap.

"Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking?" is the debut album from this all-girl band,comprising Z Berg(vocals),Charlotte Froom(bass,vocals) and Tennessee Thomas(drums,vocals). Z Berg's breathy voice sounds like a young Debbie Harry,and I can hear The Bangles' influence in this album as well.

The band deliver a distinctive,punky,solid sound,with excellent instrumetal backing. Ms Berg's subtle but formidable vocal style on this intriguing first album shows great promise. The opener "June Gloom" has Z crooning like she means it,with quite a powerful chorus line-"Looks like the end of days....but it takes so much more,for anyone to say....."

I really liked this song.
The mood continues with the more upbeat"What I Say And What I Mean,"with Ms Berg's intense vocal-"Never going back and forth,I'm only going forwards;that's what I keep saying." This girl could be going places. She's already showing the charisma and the voice for success.

On "You Bring Me Down"she sings"you wake me up when you're around-and when you're gone..........you bring me down."
This is a clever,analytical love song with a smooth tune,and very singable.There's also a melancholic undercurrent to it.
I like the next track"So I'll Sit Here Waiting", with its dreamlike quality,chiming guitars and decisive drumming. Ms Berg's voice suits this song well;she has some lovely flowing vocals here and excellent backing. This should be the next single release,by rights.

"Bridge To Nowhere" is more straightforward-it doesn't quite hook you in the same way as the previous few tracks,but nevertheless the effect produced has no less impact.

"Once Things Look Up" is rather ballady,with Ms Berg's voice hitting all the right notes, but it IS a little predictable.
"Under The Paving Stones"-another ballad-style song,but a bit more lively and and yes, dare I say it again,rather predictable. Are The Like running out of creative steam halfway through their debut?
And they started so promisingly!
Ms Berg's breathy vocals carry this tune along;she has her own singing style and manages to resurrect what could have been a rather humdrum song by injecting feeling and passion into it.
More breathy words from Ms Berg,on "Too Late",backed by some imaginative and tuneful guitars. However,this could be perked up a bit,in spite of the dreamlike quality of the backing.
Back to predictability again on "We Are Lost."Similar guitarwork backing as on the previous song,and the same dreamlike quality. This could get into a rut,in spite of some pretty harmonies from Ms Berg.
"The One". Now this one carries much more substance as a song, with a clearly identifiable tune and some good lyrics.
"I'm not shouting,I'm just talking
You're not listening,you're just larking
Take one hint to get another
In one ear and out the other."
I found myself really singing to this one.
It even has,dare I say it-drama, and a large dollop of 60s harmony in there in that chorus-hang on tight to it.
The next song is a bit more plodding,but held together and redeemed by Ms Berg's emotive voice.("Mrs Actually").

"In your arms my whole world's falling away", sings Ms Berg on the next track,which has a definitive chorus
"I'm sorry that you couldn't stop to stay"she sings,somewhat sarcastically. One of the best songs on this album,with the most impact.

"Waves That Never Break",the penultimate song,is a slow sad ballad,rather beautiful-
"Waiting alone in the darkness
Smiling and falling
Too frightened to say.....we can't live this way".Ms Berg's imploring tone makes us feel sorry for her.

The last track is "One Step Ahead";it's a passionate song which shows Ms Berg's voice in good control,above the band's measured backing.
"It's hard to stay
One step ahead of you".

This first album from The Like shows surprising control and maturity from the three girl band members,who are blossoming into a force to be reckoned with. The fact that they have a sound musical pedigree doesn't seem to interfere with this forward looking collection of songs. They're doing it THEIR way. Let us hope this debut brings them recognition.