JSU Single Review




The Yards
Only Myself To Blame
Release Date: 16th August 2004








I had the benefit of hearing the original version of this track that featured on their early EP 'The Devil Is Alive And In DC'.

The whole thing starts off a lot slower and adopts an almost 'Yesterday' sounding couple of intro bars but then I'm flooded by a lot fatter version of the track when the deep bass lines kick in and a delicious guitar lick gets things going in the right direction. Stu Fletcher's signature bass lines really provide the ideal accompaniment to Chris Helme's sweet tones, which have come on in bounds since the demise of the Seahorses and the guitar work throughout is as solid as any other part.

This song of desperation that regret brings "Only myself to blame/won't be a fool again" sounds anything but when transversed to tune, lyrically it's strong and easily creates the right imagery for me.

'California' points to darker things rather like Yards' previous EP title track 'The Devil Is Alive And Well And In DC', both of which feature on the upcoming album. This suggests to me that we're in for an interesting sweet'n'sour pick'n'mix in the form of The Yard's debut album when it is released next month.

Although all tracks are penned by 'The Yards' third track on this single 'Moonbeams' is pure, classic Helme, instantly recognisable. Acoustic and bittersweet and perfectly hum-along-to-able.

Overall, The Yards are certainly proving that they're not The Seahorses mark II finding their own sounds and should be judged on their own merits. I, for one eagerly await the release of the album to hear all these new sounds.





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