Album Review: Newtonheath - 'Come Together And Unite'

Where would we be without the “press release”? For reviewers, it means we don’t have to spend hours on the internet trying to find information about a particular group and for everyone else they provide you with enough ammunition to talk shit about said band. In Newtonheath’s case, their biography states they are original, exciting and one of the most unique bands in the country, a claim most groups would struggle to substantiate. Although the four piece clearly have a handle on quality song writing, I think they may need some more time on the road before they are in the same league as bands like Gyroscope and Horsell Common.

Fans of Adelaide’s Edison Music will be pleased to hear that Matthew Ho and Rachel Warburton make up half of Newtonheath’s personnel, their previous experience obviously having a major impact on the band’s overall sound.  

Using the album’s title track to lead off was a smart choice as the straight forward arrangements and chorus make it one of the most easy to grab songs on Come Together And Unite. In fact, there’s no reason why a song like this couldn’t work its way into Triple J’s playlist. “Fixation” incorporates minor electronic flourishes into the mix and makes good use of the soft/loud formula that many bands can’t successfully pull off.  

While the opening of “Nothing To Compare” sounds a lot like Full Collapse era Thursday the song soon makes its way to a radio friendly chorus with more than a hint of the Foo Fighters. As much as I like to avoid comparisons when reviewing an Australian release the influence of the two aforementioned bands are more than noticeable.

“Collapse Resuscitate” sees a greater use of Rachel’s vocals and even more electronic elements however the song doesn’t really do much for me and although the dance beat works at first it just becomes repetitive after a while. Diversity in a full length record is incredibly important, so I cannot fault Newtonheath for trying something different. Unfortunately “The Covering” falls short of being a captivating song. Sure, all the right ingredients are there: brooding vocals and sparse arrangements, but there isn’t anything to catch the listener’s attention.

“Between Windows” proves that the band are at their best when they’re playing something a little more up-tempo, the coupling of Matthew’s vocals and the more ballsy guitar work making this one of the best songs on the record. Although the chorus of “Wait It Out” is fantastic the verses leave a lot to be desired, while “My Own Hands” showcases what Newtonheath are capable of when they cut the fat and just rock out.