Tall Ships is a name that those following the music scene will recognise progressively popping up more and more. There is a very distinctive buzz around this Brighton band that is somewhat unparalleled. Now, returning with their second album since 2012, Impressions,are the band living up to expectations, or is this ship set to sink?

From the offset of the record, we are greeted with ‘Road Not Taken’, a warming optimistic track which could not be more suited as a reintroduction to the band. The track has aspects that anyone who appreciates Tall Ships’ previous work will relate and relish in whilst bringing something incredibly refreshing to the table that new listeners will be able to sink into. The slow progression from a delicate introduction to an incredibly powerful piece of instrumentation is a signature move from Tall Ships’ style and as vocalist, Ric Phethean’s distinctive tones grow throughout the song, it leaves for a listen that makes me incredibly excited to see how the rest of the record will develop from here. A remarkable start.

The following number is ‘Will To Life’, released as a single way back in 2015, the track’s recognisable tones makes the album feel like home and holds an unmistakable vibe that simply makes you want to get up and dance along to the vast, anthem-like chorus. A few other older singles make appearances on the album, both ‘Meditations On Loss’ and ‘Day By Day’ were released last year in build up to the record and, even despite their ability to hold up as singles, both blend equally seamlessly with the rest of the album.

Ric’s vocal distinctiveness is simply fantastic and is one of the driving foundations which make this band so special. His variation is unbelievable and allows him to expertly carry every number, each word feels like it comes straight from the gut and really hits exactly how you want it to. Whilst a mid-range tone is predominantly used, flurries of both high and low make the lyrics simply bounce off of the backing instruments and dominate each track. This being said, the backing sound in no way falls short, the drums pound in a way which could fill a cathedral whilst the variation of both powerful and subtle guitar licks throughout give an incredibly revitalising feel to each song.

For me, ‘Home’, takes the pinnacle of the record. The track is a seven minute journey and, simply put, demonstrates every aspect that makes this band so strong. The slower start slowly clambers up into a choir of melody and sound, all laced with Ric’s lower tones before unexpectedly transitioning into contrasting angelic higher notes and even more divine harmonies. The drums build and build throughout each verse and promise an awful lot during a breakdown which more than delivers. The sudden eruption into an apex of sound is magnificent and really catches the listener off guard ‘Home’ hits incredibly hard and only continues to grow bigger and bigger with every listen, I can easily see this becoming a new fan favourite.

Just like Ric’s vocals, the album features an immense level of diversity. Whilst many do follow a recipe that Tall Ships have become known for, others such as ‘Meditations On Loss’ stress a more fast, thrashy pacing that isn't quite like anything we have previously heard from the band. Conversely, tracks such as ‘Sea Of Blood’ feature an incredibly progressive pacing and tones which are incredibly thought-provoking and makes for the perfect track to lead the album into its closing stages.

Being so attached to the band’s 2012 album, Touching Everything, I was somewhat concerned if the new sound of Impressions would live up to expectations. My worries were not only unnecessary but, instead could not be further from the truth and, if anything, Impressions excels its predecessor. Every track on this album fits beautifully to create a holistic picture that is truly a masterpiece and was well worth the five year wait. For those who have never heard of Tall Ships, this album could not be a more perfect time to get to know them and, for those who have followed this band since the very beginning, I have little doubt that you will not be disappointed in the new sound the band have transgressed into. I cannot wait to hear these tracks live, and I am sure that Impressions will send the Tall Ships lads to entirely new heights.
Ben Walker

Website: wearetallships.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/tallships
Twitter: twitter.com/tallships