Ports Of Call - Like Thieves

Well, here's some shoegaze for my first post. Ports Of Call are a band from Philidelphia who wear their influences on their baggy sleeves. Track 9 'Quiet Tide' is actually a great description of the album - since you can almost feel the soft, lapping waves on your toes, while listening to Like Thieves. It's dreamy, delicate shoegaze that's clearly listened to Ride and the Cocteau Twins heck of a lot.  Although it creates some gorgeous ethereal atmospheres, this album is at its best when there's a tingle of urgency to the music, and the problem with this album is that in parts it relies too heavily on the atmosphere and is lacking in any sort of memorable melody, fading into hushed background music.  And since Ports are capable of producing some stunning melodies ('Washout', 'Here We Are'), it's a tad disappointing.  

The main riff from 'Honey' has been stolen straight from 'Bring It On Down' by Oasis surely, but really is that me just being too picky? I'm probably just being overly-critical about this album as a whole aswell. It's not mind-blowing no, but its a breezy, intimate listen that'll make you'll feel all warm inside - and what's not to like about that?

1 Elipsis 1:58
2 Washout 3:36
3 Here We Are 4:27
4 Honey 3:19
5 Like Thieves 2:32
6 Claire 3:02
7 Aireals 3:27
8 Hermissenda 2:49
9 Quiet Tide 3:42
10 Spirals 5:10

Rating: 7/10