Former Oasis members Liam Gallagher, Gem Archer, and Andy Bell didn’t waste any time after their world-conquering band dissolved, storming back into the studio and the spotlight as Beady Eye.
Led by Gallagher, one of rock music’s most iconic frontmen, the band stretches its wings on debut album Different Gear, Still Speeding, featuring tracks by all three songwriters (with the lineup completed by drummer Chris Sharrock). The record, produced by Steve Lillywhite, indulges heavily in the classic-rock influences for which the band members are known, ranging from T-Rex stomps to Beatles-esque romps, all uniquely stamped with Gallagher’s unmistakable, inimitable vocals.
Official lead single “The Roller” is one of the album’s catchiest tracks, a sing-along heavily in debt to Gallagher’s personal idol, John Lennon, while “Four Letter Word” and “Standing on the Edge of the Noise” recall some of Oasis’ own most vitriolic rock moments. It’s “The Beat Goes On” that stands out as the finest moment though — a touching, transcendent ode to perseverance that features the poignant lyric, “It’s not the end of the world, oh no / It’s not even the end of the day.”
In light of the fact that many fans expected to hear a gaping hole left here by the absence of Noel Gallagher, Liam’s older brother and Oasis’ primary songwriter, those are telling words indeed.
Visit Beady Eye’s official website, become a fan on Facebook, listen to a live performance and interview on KEXP, follow the band on Twitter, and buy the album
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Stream the full album in the audio player below.