Indie rock from Malta - doesn't initially fill you with excitement does it. In fact,
given the previous record of bands contacting me about reviews from countries
with similar renown for their underground music scene it's more likely to breed
a feeling of trepidation - I vividly recall my anticipation on receiving a press
pack from 'Hungary's biggest rock & roll band' who were apparently going to
take the UK by storm, only to discover on sticking the cd in the player that they
were little more than a pub standard Oasis tribute act.

Fortunately though, this cd shows Beangrowers to be a genuinely exciting
proposition. The title track 'You Are, You Are' is a breakneck rock & roll stomper
that had me dancing around my bedroom like a teenager in love (which is no
mean feat considering the lack of space in my room currently and the many years that have passed since my teens). The chorus is laden with a wonderfully catchy vocal hook, and a scuzzy bassline pushes things along throughout.

B-side 'Waltz' doesn't live up to the promise of its predecessor, being a slower, more atmospheric affair, but it does a good job of showcasing Alison Galea's beautiful vocals, whilst proving that Beangrowers are more than a one trick pony.

So Malta - the new New York/New Cross/Yorkshire, etc etc? That may be getting a bit ahead of ourselves, but with this excellent effort, and the selection of interesting bands to be found on the Alternative Malta website, music fans might want to reconsider their summer holiday plans.

beangrowers.net

Watch the video for 'You Are, You Are'

Review by Paul Madden