With an invigorating mood album-wide, the songs on the debut long player from Auckland indie rockers Escape are a testament to the songwriting ability of vocalist James Halligan.

‘Take Me To The Field’ leaves you with a feeling you’ve heard the songs before. Simple riffs and accessible melodies are the songs’ key to drawing you in and tracks Paint A Picture and City Lights combine convention with invention seamlessly.

Halligan’s vocals find parallels with Zed’s Nathan King, but his gritty performances deliver the songs with a satisfyingly serrated edge.

There’s a distinct stamp of Kiwiana through the album, tracks such as Tu Meke, Bro! and I Want To Be (A Kiwi) avoiding potential cringe factor to cash in on flying the flag for Kiwis through song.

Album closer The Place That’s In My Mind is as spacious as it is epic and this will surely catch unsuspecting listeners out with the hidden track 15 minutes post ending.

Recorded at Quietly Loud Studios in Auckland, the album satisfies sonically without overdoing any element of production. A confident and well-crafted first outing from a young group worth taking in.

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