dB²
David Beebee
May 2005
Independent release
David Beebee
May 2005
Independent release
David Beebee, a talented singer/songwriter & multi-instrumentalist from Leeds, UK debuts with this full-length “dB²”. It has 10 good alternative pop/rock tunes that show a lot of potential. Many people will say that the home-production for his album doesn’t really help, but in a way I think it gives this album a kind of indie charm.
From Here
Lead single From Here has a good pace and cruises along nicely. Something that would be worth hearing on the radio. The up-tempo song with very nice lyrics sets a good mood for what’s to follow.
Above
One of the strongest tracks on the album, with very good lyrics, and well-exercised instrumentals. David sings this song with devotion and conviction, which makes it stand out more.
Waiting For The Day
Waiting For The Day has to be a radio single. I’ve always said that, and I still believe so. It is catchy, has a nice tempo and great lyrics that people will relate to. It’s open for interpretation and the song kinda sticks around between your ears for awhile. Good pop tune.
Man On The Edge
This is an underrated song. It really has a lot of class. David takes off the pace a little here, and with a more haunting, settled in sound he gently brings this song to life. “And I don’t know how long/I can keep this together/In fear”, with brilliant lyrics like that, this young man shows that he has a gift.
AmeRockan
This is an ode to North American modern rockers like Breaking Benjamin, Goo Goo Dolls, 3 Doors Down and the likes. Personally I can also hear a little old-school grunge in this song. The song wasn’t one of my favorites at first, but at time I learned to really appreciate it, as it has a lot of subtle things hidden inside it. The vocals aren’t the strongest on this track, but the contrasts and the energy in this song make up for that gloriously. It has a good alternative edge and driving guitars.
Last October
Last October is one of those songs that evoke emotion because it is emotional to the performer too. The old truth of ’emotion evokes emotion’ is proven once again. With total devotion and sensitive emotion, David Beebee sings this track, which is definitely one of the highlights on this album. The song, at times has a bombastic sound, but then retracts and sounds very ‘small’. The changes in tempo, loudness, and atmosphere are kind of symbolic for the emotions. And also listen to the words, because they are truly inspirational. And the chorus is surely amazing. One of the better choruses in modern rock songs I heard lately.
9-Volt Crack
This next song is the ‘creative track’ that for some reason appears on almost every album, no matter what artist or band. It’s slightly more alternative and reminds me of american contemporary “Welbilt”, who in fact, musically, have a lot in common with David Beebee. But they also stray from the obvious path to do something creative at times. And just like Welbilt, David Beebee, does it very well. This song hints to classic rock too sometimes. However, I do believe it’s one of those love it/hate it songs. You either think it’s great or think it’s nothing much. I’m in the first category.
Tide
David Beebee shows his gentle side on Tide. With inspirational lyrics that could be interpreted as a love song, or as someone going through the changes of life, or just whatever else you hear in it, this song is a little gem. I’ve heard people say they think it gets repetitive, but I really don’t think so. It took me a few listens to get into it completely, but it’s such a sweet song, that it will undoubtedly get to you.
Saviour
This, to me, is David Beebee’s crown on this album. This song has everything, from driving guitar riffs, to gentle vocals, to great lyrics, to a catchy and driving guitar loop. It could do well on radio but also has abilities to shine acoustically or full-blown performed by a band. The first thing I thought when I listened to this song is how it would be perfect for certain episodes of Smallville, the show about young Clark Kent/Superman. Especially since there are Superman referencs in the lyrics. And musically it would fit with the show’s choices too, I believe.
Complete
Complete is a good album closer. It’s nothing too surprising and it’s nothing you haven’t heard before, but it’s done well. And like I usually say, it’s better to do something old and well, than something new that sucks. The nice little ballad is a nice finishing touch on this promising album.
Heavily influenced by established mainstream rock acts like Matchbox20, Goo Goo Dolls, Lifehouse, Vertical Horizon & rock acts like Breaking Benjamin, Steve Vai, as well as some less obvious inspirations from Jazz, Blues & Rock&Roll, this young lad from Leeds was able to write, record, produce and mix a full-length CD in his bedroom. With clever hooks and melodic pop/rock songs, David Beebee is gaining popularity in and outside the UK. Keep your ears open, cause a talent like this won’t stay unknown for too long.
From Here
Lead single From Here has a good pace and cruises along nicely. Something that would be worth hearing on the radio. The up-tempo song with very nice lyrics sets a good mood for what’s to follow.
Above
One of the strongest tracks on the album, with very good lyrics, and well-exercised instrumentals. David sings this song with devotion and conviction, which makes it stand out more.
Waiting For The Day
Waiting For The Day has to be a radio single. I’ve always said that, and I still believe so. It is catchy, has a nice tempo and great lyrics that people will relate to. It’s open for interpretation and the song kinda sticks around between your ears for awhile. Good pop tune.
Man On The Edge
This is an underrated song. It really has a lot of class. David takes off the pace a little here, and with a more haunting, settled in sound he gently brings this song to life. “And I don’t know how long/I can keep this together/In fear”, with brilliant lyrics like that, this young man shows that he has a gift.
AmeRockan
This is an ode to North American modern rockers like Breaking Benjamin, Goo Goo Dolls, 3 Doors Down and the likes. Personally I can also hear a little old-school grunge in this song. The song wasn’t one of my favorites at first, but at time I learned to really appreciate it, as it has a lot of subtle things hidden inside it. The vocals aren’t the strongest on this track, but the contrasts and the energy in this song make up for that gloriously. It has a good alternative edge and driving guitars.
Last October
Last October is one of those songs that evoke emotion because it is emotional to the performer too. The old truth of ’emotion evokes emotion’ is proven once again. With total devotion and sensitive emotion, David Beebee sings this track, which is definitely one of the highlights on this album. The song, at times has a bombastic sound, but then retracts and sounds very ‘small’. The changes in tempo, loudness, and atmosphere are kind of symbolic for the emotions. And also listen to the words, because they are truly inspirational. And the chorus is surely amazing. One of the better choruses in modern rock songs I heard lately.
9-Volt Crack
This next song is the ‘creative track’ that for some reason appears on almost every album, no matter what artist or band. It’s slightly more alternative and reminds me of american contemporary “Welbilt”, who in fact, musically, have a lot in common with David Beebee. But they also stray from the obvious path to do something creative at times. And just like Welbilt, David Beebee, does it very well. This song hints to classic rock too sometimes. However, I do believe it’s one of those love it/hate it songs. You either think it’s great or think it’s nothing much. I’m in the first category.
Tide
David Beebee shows his gentle side on Tide. With inspirational lyrics that could be interpreted as a love song, or as someone going through the changes of life, or just whatever else you hear in it, this song is a little gem. I’ve heard people say they think it gets repetitive, but I really don’t think so. It took me a few listens to get into it completely, but it’s such a sweet song, that it will undoubtedly get to you.
Saviour
This, to me, is David Beebee’s crown on this album. This song has everything, from driving guitar riffs, to gentle vocals, to great lyrics, to a catchy and driving guitar loop. It could do well on radio but also has abilities to shine acoustically or full-blown performed by a band. The first thing I thought when I listened to this song is how it would be perfect for certain episodes of Smallville, the show about young Clark Kent/Superman. Especially since there are Superman referencs in the lyrics. And musically it would fit with the show’s choices too, I believe.
Complete
Complete is a good album closer. It’s nothing too surprising and it’s nothing you haven’t heard before, but it’s done well. And like I usually say, it’s better to do something old and well, than something new that sucks. The nice little ballad is a nice finishing touch on this promising album.
Heavily influenced by established mainstream rock acts like Matchbox20, Goo Goo Dolls, Lifehouse, Vertical Horizon & rock acts like Breaking Benjamin, Steve Vai, as well as some less obvious inspirations from Jazz, Blues & Rock&Roll, this young lad from Leeds was able to write, record, produce and mix a full-length CD in his bedroom. With clever hooks and melodic pop/rock songs, David Beebee is gaining popularity in and outside the UK. Keep your ears open, cause a talent like this won’t stay unknown for too long.