First of all, kudos are always given to any band from Aberdeen who dares not to be indie rock. Due Return, therefore, start off ahead as their musical intentions are clearly far greater than the usual three chords and the banging of the drums. There is, for example, a spirited start to this mini album with “Sweet Lucy” making the most of the band’s theatrical yet lo-fi roots by holding a course steered by some spirited guitar work and – let there be light – a piano. Even the scratchy violin that sounds so terribly out of place in the mix can nearly be forgiven.
There is also evidence of a maturity in the song writing that would suggest that all those nights spent listening to Coldplay’s greatest hits were not a waste of time for Due Return, although prone to aimless wandering, have learned that songs should have a start, a middle and an end and demonstrate that admirably in “Lost in Yourself”. There is potential here without a doubt even if the quality control does slip on occasion – the painfully awkward vocals on “Look Me In The Eye” are a prime example – but, nonetheless, you have to hope that this band’s future is so bright that they will soon have to wear shades.
This mini album is available from Bandcamp.