There may be a few people scratching their heads when they look at the name of the band this review covers, recognizing the name but not certain where from. Well “Envy & Other Sins” were the winners of T4’s Unsigned Act competition back in December 2007. Since winning what was a fiercely contested competition the band have finally released their debut album “We Leave At Dawn” and this show was one of a nationwide trek visiting twenty three venues in total. I have to be honest and day I went to this gig not knowing what to expect. The only exposure I had to the band was a video of their debut single “Highness” on YouTube and the bands information pack sent to me via their promotion team. Well it was worth the effort as they are rather special.

Envy & Other Sins grabbed everyone’s attention they before even struck a note thanks to an eccentric stage layout featuring a glorious back drop of the lighthouse featured on the cover of the album as well as a stuffed pheasant on top of the guitar rig, four standard lamps and a hat and coat stand. It all added up to a band that were obviously putting as much attention into how their image as to their music. The band opened with the snappy pop of “Step Across” and within moments, thanks in no small part to a superb live mix (pat on the back for the soundman) the audience were mesmerized. Even though the album had only just hit the stores it was apparent that the band already have a fair few followers as people sang along and started to gently “get on down”. A superb delivery of the juddery quirkiness of “(It Gets Harder To Be A) Martyr” had this reviewer convinced that there is finally a band on the block who could fill the huge gap left by the much missed Jellyfish. “Man Bites Dog” dazzled with silky smooth vocal harmonies and wonderful chord progressions that demonstrated that the band a re classy songwriters whilst “Don’t Start Fires” began with an almost Coldplay like quality and even had a great pace and build up which aforementioned band use to great effect.

When the band launched into “Talk To Strangers” the previously gentle swaying of the audience hads turned into full on dancing and grooving. The Cluny had become a little oasis with the bands music proving to be the ideal thirst quencher for those who had been parched of music with the “feel good factor”. To my ears this song had a very Maroon Five feel going on but “Envy’s…” delivery was more satisfying. One of the best songs of the night was “York Café” which had a great arrangement and a perfect pop guitar riff. The great thing about getting to hear this song is that it is a non album track and presented music that shows where the band are currently at song writing wise and believe me it was a little cracker and points the way to great things to come. The last song of the evening was the album closer “Shipwrecked” a song that is achingly infectious. Uplifting harmonies made left the listener no alternative but to be pulled along with its musical tide. The end of the song is a slow burn build up which the band really pushed to its limit leaving me wondering if I was witnessing one of the great hopes of British pop.

There were many smiles and nods of approval amongst the audience as the show came to an end almost implying the feeling that those in the know instinctively knew this band were going to deliver and that the effort of coming to see a new band had been vindicated. If Envy And Other Sins can get some exposure and airplay I am in no doubt that they can go on to become very successful. They have great songs, great image and are all great musicians and I for one hope this band can get the breaks to enable them to stick around for a long while. If you missed them this time round make sure you catch them when they hopefully return, as they genuinely are a bright prospect and a real talent.

Al Hey