Features

For those of you who may not have noticed, Morrissey is back.

This time it looks like he's back twice. Once, in the form of the Morrissey who has just released Years of Refusal and once in the form of the Morrissey who appears to be fronting the band Highway 5.

Ok, it probably isn't really him, but the similarity is uncanny.

On the edge

Highway 5 are a band on the peripheries of Gloucestershire, but as their drummer, Duncan Mounsor hails from Cheltenham, we can, at least in part, claim them for ourselves.

The band are a troupe of indie rockers whose pallet is heavily influenced by the Morrissey sound (and pessimistic vision).

But there are also hints of Gene - in turn heavily influenced by The Smiths - right back to The Beatles.

Their music sprawls continents from Asian through to European and American inspirations.

Misery

The songs share Morrissey's penchant for misery. Tracks with names like 'Another Day, Another Disappointment' and 'The Fear' say it all.

Meanwhile the analogy of 'Metal Turns to Rust', the title of a diptych of songs, offers a slightly more poetic interpretation of the morose theme.

The only song that offers any kind of respite from the onslaught of misery and despair is 'Gonna Make It Big', a rather linear tale of a band forming, recording a demo and trying to - yes, you've guessed it - make it big.

It serves as something of a manifesto for what the band want to do and where Highway 5 want to be, but lacks some the depth and texture found in their other songs.

Ironically, for all its optimism and glimpses of life on the sunnier side, it is the weaker of the songs currently available on MySpace.

Crossing continents

Where the band truly excel is in their sprawling sense of sadness.

'Metal Turns to Rust - Part I' is a sweaty, dusty sounding track which finds inspiration in Middle Eastern music, just as Led Zeppelin did with 'Kashmir'.

There may not be as many Robert Plant-ish guitar moments here: this is the Middle East with a pair of NHS specs rather than big, ringletted hair, but you get the idea.

'Metal Turns to Rust Part II' meanwhile is a sumptuous ballad complete with intense, beautiful strings and a Spanish guitar weaving between the accompaniment.

Both Parts I and II are glorious in their own ways, complete with long, agonised, yet elegant vocals from Noor Ali.

'Motorway Madness' is a little lighter in texture. It takes a look back towards The Kinks, stopping off at Steely Dan on the way.

The songs theme doesn't offer any new insights on the world. Few will be surprised that Highway 5 don't like getting caught in traffic jams, but the song is pleasant enough.

"What a way to make a living"

It is in bleak misery that Highway 5 are at their best.

'Another Day, Another Disappoint' charts the tale of abject boredom and repetitiveness of working a 9-5 every day.

Between a series of la-la-las, begged, borrowed and then inverted from 'Hey Jude', Ali vents forth that he 'could have done so much' if it wasn't for the drudgery of work.

'The Fear' brings more and yet more of the same. This time it is dressed up in the language of nightmares.

It's about loneliness, about losing touch with your dreams and the fear of fear itself - a song delivered with such passion you begin to wonder what sort of tortured souls this Highway 5 lot must be.

Highwaymen

The band have all the right ingredients. There's a strong sense of musicianship and a feeling that, like the band in 'Gonna Make it Big', they know exactly what they are doing and are acting as a unit.

There are powerful vocals from Noor Ali and good lyrics too.

They are occasionally let down by the production. Added to this, the finished articles may be a couple of takes away from the absolute musical triumph they could have been, but Highway 5 remain a good band, verging on greatness.

Something Different

As with many recently reviewed bands and artists from these parts (Lounge Fly, The Game Needed Me and BadHandler to name but three), Highway 5 offer something of a refreshing alternative from what many of their musical peers are currently offering, both locally and nationally.

And this can only be a good thing.

Highway 5 are fresh and exciting - if only because they are exploring aspects of the 70s and 80s that other bands are missing.

Listen to them and enjoy.

You can hear more of the band on their Myspace page where you can also buy the CD, 'The Fear'.

This article is an external contribution and expresses a personal opinion, not necessarily the views of the BBC.

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If you're involved in the Gloucestershire music scene and you would like Stephen to review your music, please feel free to get in touch. Either email gloucestershire@bbc.co.uk or send your album and a bit about yourself to:

BBC Gloucestershire Introducing...
London Road
Gloucester
GL1 1SW

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