Album Review: Beady Eye - Be

“Say what you believe,” we're instructed at the start of BE, Beady Eye's follow-up to 2010's Different Gear, Still Speeding. Sage words, indeed, and clearly a mantra that has been long-lasting for what is, effectively, a supergroup, especially with ex-Kasabian guitarist Jay Mehler joining the fold (albeit after the recording of BE) to replace bassist Jeff Wootton.

This album follows seamlessly on from their debut, yet this is not Different Gear Mark II. Opening track and lead single, Flick Of The Finger, is not as in-your-face as Four Letter Word (Different Gear's opening track) and gives the impression that the band don't feel that they have as much to prove this time around, yet they still want to make a statement. This is done courtesy of Iranian-British actor Kayvan Novak reading an excerpt from the Tariq Ali book Street Fighting Years: An Autobiography Of The Sixties – it's an effective quote that works well.

The songwriting skills of Liam Gallagher, Andy Bell and Gem Archer are undeniable as there is not one track that doesn't belong on this record. They have no difficulty moving from full-on rock-out mode (Face The Crowd) to some truly beautiful moments (Start Anew), and the ease with which they do it is a glorious thing.

Oasis may be no more; however, it is still a little difficult to get out of the mindset that Beady Eye is, effectively, Oasis junior, especially if this is the first time you've heard them. But, in fairness to them, this has more to do with the highly recognisable vocals of a Gallagher frontman than anything else. It really doesn't take long to separate the two bands and, once you do, you get to enjoy the album for exactly what it is: an exceptionally good example of great British rock.