Album review: IT – We’re All In This Together

Progressive Gears Records [Release date 01.03.17]

This is the fifth album by IT and judging by this album I have some catching up to do. IT is the mastermind of Nick Jackson and Andy Rowberry, with the band completed by James Hawkins (bass), Will Chism (drums), and Ryan McCaffrey (keyboards/saxophone).

A timely album looking at austerity, the current economic climate and it could almost be a companion soundtrack to the film ‘I Am Daniel Blake’. IT successfully mix a memorable melodic with a hard hitting lyric – ‘Voices’ features former MP George Galloway stating how he will not stop until Tony Blair is behind bars. The music is suitably heavy and features a sublime piece of guitar.

Porcupine Tree and Steve Thorne came to mind on ‘Born Into Debt’ and the album’s epic piece, ‘The Path of Least Resistance’. The latter features another powerful guitar solo and the song allows the band to flex their musical muscles.

‘Revolution’ was released as a YouTube video last year and is the album’s most instant song with a big, crashing chorus led by some seriously heavy guitar and it just won’t leave your head – impressive stuff. The Theremin and keys/guitar combine superbly towards the end of the song. ’Power’ is another that demands the listener’s attention, where the music matches the song’s title, again leaving you marvel at the band’s ideas and music.

An album of the here and now, that shows how music can and does have a role to play in modern life and politics. Essential listening and even if you are not one for the political side of things, the melodies created by IT are worthy of your time and attention. ****1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)