Album Review: The Inklings – This Time For Real

This full length is the bands first true release, although they did venture out with some test the water recordings previously last year, but as it says on the tin “This Time For Real”

With 2 original members of Teesside’s Zeitgeist 77, Darren Thomas (Guitar/Vocal) and Mick Mcgee (Bass/Vocal), who have now teamed up with Keyboardist James Thomas, this promises to be a whole different world to the Zeitgeist 77 phenomena.

Take a pinch of Stranglers, a slice of life and a whole dollop of groove, throw this in a blender with some wonderfully thought out lyrics, and maybe just maybe you might come close to how The Inklings sound.

Being that this is their first full album release since coming together as a 3 piece, this sets out to define the bands sound, and what a sound.  “Secret” which has already been released upon the video world, sets the album off, with its perfectly infectious riff that opens the track up and runs right through the core of the song, which seems to be The Inklings calling card and defines their sound throughout the whole 13 tracks as will become clear.

“When You Hit The Ground You’ll Be Running” very much like the previous track, has it’s own backbone, but this comes in the form of a beautifully played bass line riff, which is complimented perfectly by an intricate little keyboard melody and ties the whole thing together.

As a complete piece, this album has a wonderful originality of sound that seems to pick moments from the past, but then never really looks back fully, just glimpses over the shoulder at artists and bands that’s may have influenced its members throughout their lives, then drives forward to create a new, fresh and exciting music.

The Inklings may have with out doubt found their place in the world, and stamped a huge size 10 on it,  take “Zombie” as a starter, a powerful vocal backed up by a huge dirty guitar sound, but still finds time to fill in with rhythmic bass slices and hammering drum beats.  But then what about “Dining With Animals”  with its reggae undertones and social observations or “It’s Not Right” showing off how to speak with a conscience and tackle political issues but wrapped up in a soundscape that holds you right there.

All go to prove that you don’t have to stick to one formula and keep within the box to create an album.

So is The Time For Real?  Yes, but don’t expect that you will get it immediately, this is an album to keep and replay, then again and even again, for this is when the jewels might be found.

A truly eclectic mix of styles that can only be The Inklings! 

Self Recorded and Self Released, check out The Inklings Facebook

Listen on SPOTIFY And DEEZER

Check out “Secret” video below