The Script
14th September 2010 | Sony
**
The Irish trio follow a mainstream path on second effort...
The Script are an Irish band who managed to hit the ground running when they entered the music industry in 2008 with their self-titled debut, an album which has since reached a number one chart ranking and multi-platinum selling status. This immediate success is arguably due to stand out singles such as 'We Cry', 'The Man Who Can't Be Moved' and 'Breakeven', where the pop/alternative rock crossover seemed to attract the people. It even gained them a U2 (who are one of their principle inspirations) support slot at one of the Croke Park shows on the exquisite 360 degrees tour. Despite the mainstream success, the album has recieved generally negative reviews.
In an attempt to maintain this success, The Script release 'Science & Faith' the highly-antipicated follow up to 'The Script'. It is an album revolving around the current economic and social climate in Ireland. Being a casual admirer of the first album, I was intrigued to find out whether their instant success has influenced their studio approach.
First track 'You Won't Feel A Thing' is a strong opener with flashes of their fellow Irishmen U2. It is a decent indicator that The Script have straight away continued with the same style as their first effort. Lead single 'For The First Time' is about a couple struggling through the recession and it begins with acoustics before moving into some interesting vocal harmonics as the song builds up. 'Nothing' is a emotional and progressive song reminiscent of 'We Cry'. 'Science & Faith' is subdued but light-hearted song with a U2-esque guitar work. RnB vocals are layered over soft guitar on 'If You Ever Come Back'. 'Long Gone And Moved On' features effective piano chords in the background. 'Dead Man Walking' incorporates more RnB vocals with deeper meaning. I appreciate 'This Is Love' for its slightly different sound which involves interesting snare drum patterns in the intro. 'Walk Away' brings back the RnB feel, which I consider a disruption to the flow of the album. 'Exit Wounds' is an acoustic song which acts as an angsty and satisfying closer.
The Script, with this second album, have risen to arena status, with their upcoming tour (March 2011) including two consecutive nights at Belfast's 14,000-capacity Odyssey Arena and dates at Manchester's 19,000-capacity MEN Arena and London's 20,000-capacity O2 Arena. Material from 'Science & Faith' will blend in well with older songs as the Script have evidently realised the success they have achieved with their debut and instinctively remained with the same formula. The trio's decision against altering their style will further consolidate their fanbase while isolating any newcomers. So, business as usual as the Irish trio keep the faith with the mainstream.
Track Listing
1. You Won't Feel A Thing
2. For The First Time
3. Nothing
4. Science & Faith
5. If You Ever Come Back
6. Long Gone And Moved On
7. Dead Man Walking
8. This Is Love
9. Walk Away
10. Exit Wounds
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