Album Review: Make It Better Later - 2
- Written by Helen Szczupak
Make It Better Later are a York-based band dabbling in ska, alternative and folk, and have been together since 2005. Last year they experienced a change in line up as drummer Steve O'Gallagher left to relocate to London and the band acquired new members Mungo and Yom to become a five piece.
The band has a notable point of difference. To compliment their usual choice of band instruments - guitars, bass and drums, they have a talent in the form of violinist Amy Haynes which creates an added element that makes this band unique and one that will take a great deal of effort to compete with. The band oozes with energy and charisma with a positive vibe that captures and rubs off on their audience. If you like your music moody and depressing then let this be warning to keep well away.
Make It Better Later are back with their first release since their 2006 debut album Music By Numbers. Their latest release 2 is a five-track EP that builds on their strengths from the last album. It has been a good while in the making: It's been a really wild ride from first recordings to finally releasing this, and believe me when I say that it's had all our blood, sweat and tears put into it.
Opening track 'The Deal' begins with a sound like it should be used in a frantic film chase. This is more of the novelty sound that the band have become renowned for. But when we say novelty we do not mean it in a Cheeky Girls / Shaun The Sheep / Mr Blobby sense. We mean it in a good way. It is their lyrics, varied sounds and themed songs that make this band unique and keep interest amongst listeners. How many bands can say that they have written songs about pirates, an alien called Clive who goes out clubbing and an ode to Eric Cartman?! The violin melody is impactful and we can certainly see the crowds bouncing along to this song. It is hard to hear this band and not be drawn into the persona and vibe that they create and capture the room with. This track is of a similar tempo to their album track 'Pirate Song' which was arguably their best track thus far and is certainly the one with which they have caught the attention of many new listeners. 'The Deal' encompasses the trademark sound of Make It Better Later with a multi-tempo that builds and breaks things down for a varied and exciting structure.
'Music By Numbers', the second track from the EP, has been around for a while and the band have finally recorded it. We have to say that it was well worth the wait. This is the strongest track on 2 with lyrics just wanna write a pop punk song, with a catchy chorus that you sing along. Mission accomplished! The injections of violin melody in contrast to the drumming are striking, with a bouncing bass line and it is instantly effective. Now we get to the second verse and it's kinda a lot like the first/ cause I ran out of things to say and if you don't believe me then la la la. These are the kind of lyrics that we have come to know and love Make It Better Later for. If there is one thing that this band is good at it is creating catchy lyrics that get the audience involved in their shows. This band are energetic and addictive and this song demonstrates the quality of music that they are capable of.
'Unwind' is a more laid back and mature song which is lovable and endearing. The harmonies show off lead singer Aaron Carey's vocal abilities and demonstrate the unity that the band has both on and off stage. Writing this song all my life/got no words but it feels alright/maybe I finally got it right" they sing, and it feels like they have. This track is spot on and with its steady swinging calypso style pace and changes in tempo it makes you want to hear more. Layered vocals close this track, which does exactly what it says on the tin. Now, time to pick up the pace....
A faster and frantic full of beans offering in the form of 'Rockstar' picks things up for a catchy and addictive ditty all about wanting to become a music star. However this is nothing along the lines of the shameful 2008 offering from Nickelback; far from it. There are no comparisons to be made here. Make It Better Later create a collaboration of heavy guitar riffs, beats, piano and violin melodies. The lyrics are memorable and amusing; people with a sense of humour will love this track. Daddy buy me some drums/pay for my haircut just like mum's it's a track that makes you want to kick your legs in the air and dance along.
The EP concludes with a live version of 'Soul Train', an album track taken from the Music By Numbers album. This shows a more chilled out persona to Make It Better Later and demonstrates that they can cut it live acoustically.
They have come a long way since their last album. This EP is attention-grabbing and compelling with a damn good chance of rocking your socks off. The lyrics they kinda suck/but the tune will be stuck in your head for days. Argue amongst yourselves as to whether the lyrics do actually suck but we challenge you to not sing along!
Make It Better Later? No need, as far as EPs go this already sounds pretty damn near perfect. Onwards and upwards!