Gliss - Rugby Road Single Review

Gliss
Rugby Road
Single Review
Tough Cookie

Following the brilliant "Blue Sky", "Rugby Road" is the second UK release from Los Angeles' Gliss. In America they've gained a cult following on the strength of their "Kick In Your Heart" EP, impressing the likes of Billy Corgan, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and The Editors, with whom they've toured. The trio will be playing their own headline shows in England toward the end of February.

Introduced by a shimmering guitar, "Rugby Road" once again sees Martin Kingman at his androgynous best, aided by the sultriness of Victoria Cecilia. Backed by a rhythm section, the track rocks into life and showcases the band's ability to write intelligent and unpredictable music. A more basic approach to rock'n'roll forms the backbone of "Girl", which also finds Kingman's vocals much clearer. It isn't as good as the title track, but the positive sound produced indicates that Gliss have the ability to vary their sound to great effect.

Alex Lai