SHOOT THE DEAD - THE RAGE

Having already enjoyed Shoot the Dead’s Can’t Stop Dancing, I was expecting good things from this new single, and I wasn’t disappointed. Insanely catchy, this is a mix of riffing guitars and pop sensibilities that wouldn’t be out of place amongst the female-fronted guitar pop acts of the early Nineties, or on the soundtrack of one of the cool teen movies. Ferociously bouncy, effortlessly commercial, in a sane world this would be all over the radio.

Given the quality of The Rage, backing track Hypnotised has a lot to live up to, and doesn’t quite manage it. With more of a moody electro rock ‘n’ roll vibe, it’s more of a slow build to an impressive second half than immediately hooking you in, and doesn’t have the same instant singalong quality.

It’s not a bad track by any means; but it’s definitely a B-side, and probably doesn’t justify inclusion twice – the second version adding just under thirty seconds and more of a disco vibe.

DAVID FLINT

www.shootthedead.co.uk