“Set this world on fire” gently professes the opening line to ‘At World’s End’, the latest single from Australian four-piece Blackchords. Well, I don’t know about fiery, but the single certainly sounds confident enough, with its tasty, throbbing bass line and chiming guitars, all interspersed with clean vocals that evoke the sound and sensibilities of Chris Martin. Unfortunately, much like Coldplay themselves, the whole ensemble just lack any real edge and every time it sounds like they might kick it up a gear, they, well, don’t. However, whilst it’s not exactly flammable material, it’s quite listenable fare and it must be said that the B-side, ‘These Lights’, feels rather like the delicate comedown to ‘At World’s End’. The two tracks mesh together well and it seems best to view them as something of an indie-musical suite… just not a terribly exciting one. On listening, be prepared for a slight burning sensation, but don’t worry, it won’t hurt.

Released 28th September 2009 on Dust Devil Music

Words by Kate Ross