The Cortez Loop's debut E.P. introduces a cross-section of the band's music - which, on this evidence, stretches from unconvincing Paul Weller impressions to flat Chris Martin-esque ballads.
Lead singer and songwriter Alex Gordon's current claim to fame is featuring a pre-'jazz sensation' Jamie Cullum in his last band, and here he serves up the rock equivalent of Cullum's work. Opening tracks Home Of The Blind and Straitjacket aspire to a certain fuzzy-guitar led 'passion' reminiscent of say, an Ocean Colour Scene song. However, the less than arresting sound is further depreciated by anodyne vocals and lyrics.
Cullum himself plays on third track The Landing, which shifts down a gear in preparation for concluding ballad Turn You Around. Both merely underline that Cortez Loop have nothing more to offer than inoffensive, unconvincing middle-of-the-road rock. On the bright side, this means they should be good for a couple of Brit Awards next year.
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