Review: Collateral – Should’ve Known Better

Big Shot Records (May 24^th 2024)

Reviewer: Dan Mann

Here it is, Collateral‘s second album. Is it any good? Does it demonstrate the band’s growth? Does it capture the essence of their live performances?

Certainly, these questions will elicit varied responses based on the individual asked. I am in the challenging position of being a long-time fan and friend of the guys since the pre-Collateral days, which makes me question my ability to remain unbiased.

Well the review is not unbiased, but hopefully constructive.

With nine tracks on ‘Should’ve Known Better‘, there’s something for almost everyone, except perhaps those who prefer growly music. The first single, ‘Glass Sky‘, serves as an excellent appetizer, featuring a heavy beat that underlies the song and showcases what I believe to be Collateral‘s signature sound, albeit slightly heavier than some of their earlier work.

Track two, ‘Original Criminal‘, may be my ‘least favourite’ on the album. It’s a solid track that begins with Collateral‘s signature style, yet it veers off slightly as it progresses. It might be one of those songs that grows on me over time. I appreciate the band’s effort to experiment and ‘test the waters’ to avoid becoming stagnant.

The song that tugs at the heartstrings is undoubtedly ‘On The Long Road‘, which I first experienced as an acoustic performance during Collateral‘s set at last year’s Firevolt festival. If this song doesn’t stir your emotions, even in the slightest, then you might be a bit of a cold fish! I do wonder if it would have been better to retain its pure acoustic guitar and vocal arrangement, perhaps as an idea for a future single release chaps?

Do I have any favourites among the nine songs?

I’ve always been fond of ‘No Place For Love‘, a quintessential Collateral track that has been elevated in its arrangement and made more impactful, largely thanks to the superb production by Dan Weller.

‘Teenage Dream‘ stands out as exceptionally catchy, with a song arrangement that hits all the right notes. The guitar break is just long enough to highlight Louis Malagodi‘s skill, supported by the beloved rhythm section of Ben Atkinson on drums and Jack Bentley-Smith on bass. Angelo Tristan‘s vocals come through with their signature sound.

Lastly, ‘Final Stand‘ marks a departure from Collateral‘s typical style, introducing a heavier edge that truly delivers. While it’s important for Collateral to preserve their melodic rock essence, the occasional foray into a heavier sound can be a refreshing change.

I haven’t intentionally omitted the other songs from the review; I’m simply highlighting the parts that are significant to me. Your experience may differ greatly, and I hope it’s an enjoyable one. Based on what I’ve seen of different crowd’s responses to the new material, it seems they’ve attracted many new fans, which means therefore that it’s mission accomplished!

Tracklist:

1. Glass Sky
2. Original Criminal
3. Just One Of Those Days
4. Teenage Dreams
5. Elysium
6. On The Long Road
7. No Place For Love
8. Game Changer
9. Final Stand

Line-up:

Angelo Tristan – Vocals/Guitar

Louis Malagodi – Guitar

Ben Atkinson – Drums

Jack Bentley-Smith – Bass

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