Beady Eye - Different Gear, Still Speeding

Beady Eye - Different Gear, Still Speeding
Produced by Steve Lillywhite and Beady Eye
Recorded at RAK Studios, London
Beady Eye Records, 2011. 

Formed from the ashes of Oasis following their acrimonious split in 2009, Bead Eye were, somewhat unsurprisingly, even more influenced by the Beatles than their previous band. With their aesthetically pleasingly 1960's photo-shoots and artwork, alongside their shamelessly vintage production, Different Gear, Still Speeding is an undeniably retro album. Despite these easy comparisons to make with the band and the music of 1960s, the album actually stands up in its own right and one that I return to often.

Led by formidable front man Liam Gallagher, the band consisted of Gem Archer, Andy Bell and Chris Sharrock, who each had a big input into the sound of Oasis' final album Dig Out Your Soul. Alongside Liam, Andy and Gem bring their own tunes to the table, which help makes the album varied, yet cohesive and thoroughly interesting.

The album has a nice blend of rockers, slower tunes and songs like ‘Kill For A Dream',‘Wig Wam’ and ‘Morning Son’, which are delightful slices of pure psychedelia. While not every song is not a classic, there is sense of urgency and a purpose, that was possibly lacking in latter day Oasis. What also gets me is there was a bite and character to this album that still eludes Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, even to this day. Liam's vocals is also on top form and there is an energy and a chemistry between the members which makes a highly consistent and confident album.

CD insert

Beady Eye had an ability to put together a tuneful songs, that are familiar to Oasis fans but have enough individuality and freshness that allow the songs (and the band) to feel different to their former band. Sadly, the band could never really get out of the shadow of oasis and it hindered their commercial and critical success. It was a shame the only managed one further album, 2013's underrated BE. I've always felt that Beady Eye could have gone onto bigger and better things, but alas it was not be. Still, Different Gear, Still Speeding still excites me to this day and I think it deserves a lot more respect and attention than it currently gets.

Hope you enjoy!

Key tracks:
The Roller
For Anyone
The Beat Goes On
Bring the Light 

If you enjoyed this album, check out:
Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul (2008)
Jet - Shine On (2006)
Neal Casal - No Wish to Reminisce (2006)
The Magic Numbers - The Runaway (2010)