Creation Records finally managed solid commercial success this past year with the enormous sales of Oasis and the Boo Radleys. The popularity of Oasis' neo-classic rock must have inspired the signing of Heavy Stereo, as the band hardly could be more different from the label's near-trademark sound that revolved around Ride, Slowdive, My Bloody Valentine, and earlier Boo Radleys.
It would be difficult to find a band that sounds more like Slade than Heavy Stereo. For Americans unfamiliar with Slade, their patented sound can be heard on John Lennon's bombastic hit "Instant Karma." In the early 70s Slade concocted the vinyl equivalent to over-exposed photos, several of which were later covered in the U.S. (most notably "Cum on Feel the Noize" by Quiet Riot).
Influences aside, the songs are nonetheless inescapable. "Sleep Freak" in particular lodges in your head and starts your hands clapping (another Slade production technique) along with the muddy 70s vibe.
Heavy Stereo will put off anyone who detests classic rock, but may compensate for this by drawing fans who are otherwise annoyed by Britain's current popsters.
