Cherry Ghost have an impressive list of influences on their MySpace page. They range from Johnny Cash, via Raymond Carver to The Smiths. An imaginative blend that sounded like it should produce something dark, literary and intense. Pity that they don?t close to matching those hallowed figures.
Disappointingly this is more Johnny Mathis than Johnny Cash. In truth it sounds like the kind of song that Embrace would reject as a b-side. It's far too clichéd, dull and leaden. It plods along on a piano melody as bland and monotonous as hospital food.
Simon Aldred's vocals struggle to hold a tune, despite the expensive studio trickery. Not such an issue if you are an indie wannabe but when you're aiming for the Coldplay style soul. Well your voice needs to be on the money and this isn't. Mind, I don't think even Liam Gallagher's swagger could rescue this excuse for a song. As exciting and vital as a Saga holiday in Clacton.