The Hazy Shades have begun to make a name for themselves and their debut EP, Fight Or Flight, kicks off with the bluesy riff of ‘This Time Is Right’, which shows the band’s composed and confident musicianship.
The big sing-along chorus from which the EP takes its name (“this is the night, for fight or flight”) shows the band have a grasp of writing good choruses.
‘A Little Mixed Up’ is a good enough follow up, however there is a little too much focus is put onto the guitar soloing; at nearly five-minutes, the song is crying out for a little more.
When singer Alasdair Beattie sings “watching it all unfold” and the song builds up to a ‘Freebird’-esque guitar solo, it is disappointing to hear the band resort back to the same tempo at which that the song began, rather than carrying on the fast-paced crescendo.
‘Fools Game’ begins with a solid bassline and has another strong chorus, while Beattie demonstrates his vocal range; definitely the strongest song on the EP.
Fight Or Flight is a strong first outing for The Hazy Shades, who have a lot of potential and charisma.
For release number two it’s be nice for some trimmed down more lean tracks, with more focus structure and some better overall production The Hazy Shades will become ones to watch on the Glasgow scene.
Words: Neil Hayton
