"This Is Where We Are"
Just occasionally, a brand new band comes along and simply blows you right away. They shouldn't by rights; it should take years to get this good, but once in a blue moon one band breaks that golden rule. Quecia is that band. Taking a leaf from the book of new British classic rock currently being written by the likes of Mostly Autumn, Kirsty McCarrick and Co are a very special proposition indeed. Add to the MA reference a fusion of All About Eve, Debbie Bonham, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd, with tiny hints of latter day Marillion and even Deep Purple showing through too, and youll be getting close to what Quecia are all about.
Fronted with grace, poise and élan by the aforementioned fragrant and angelic Kirsty McCarrick, this young British outfit simply shine with style, class and mature elegance. What is truly remarkable is how, why, and where of how this album came about. In a nutshell, it was recorded in a pub! Yes, it seems like a good idea to me too! Recorded on their own 32 track desk, the recording quality is nothing short of excellent, as is the whole package in fact. Aside from Kirsty, Quecia is compromised of three very fine musicians: Paul Ayre (guitar and vocals), Chris Picton (bass and keyboards) and new boy Roy Taylor (drums). Paul in particular shows himself to be a fluid and talented player, displaying a lovely, expressive touch throughout the album. All the music and lyrics are written by Kirsty, Paul and Chris as a unit, which is how the band came together almost by default but thats a story for another time and place. Messrs Ayre and Picton have also produced this album with great style. Is there anything this band cant do.
There are 14 divine songs on offer here, each one as enticing as its predecessor. While this release is not from the heavy end of what Powerplay covers, it is simply exquisite in every way and should be an album that every one of you owns. This is an utterly sublime debut by a wonderful band, and totally essential to boot.
Quecia: Album Reviews
"QUECIA II"
Quecia have returned with a second album that is much more focused and featuring performances that clearly demonstrate a greater surety, awareness and a generally much harder edge. Nowhere is this more evident than in Kirsty McCarrick's voice, as the performance captured here is far more redolent of the gusto, verve and sheer strength evident in the live environment. Paul Ayre's guitar work is also gutsier and dirtier and he has taken numerous opportunities to really let rip during the course of the album.
There are many really strong songs here, but the one that really demonstrates how far Kirsty has matured as an accomplished and assured front woman is 'New Dress'. It also highlights the quality backing vocals from younger sister Hayley, now a permanent feature of the band. A recent Classic Rock Society concert headlined by the band revealed this song to be a new live favourite. However, there is one track on the new album that is head and shoulders in calibre above anything else that the band has written and recorded and this received a quite ecstatic reception when performed at the CRS concert back in January, despite it being previously unknown to most of the audience present. 'Rescue Me'. This song features a particularly fine performance and huge choruses and I found myself listening to this song on a work-in-progress promo of the new album repeatedly on my journey home across the Pennines from Rotherham. The version released on the finalised album also has an extremely atmospheric introduction and a virtuoso lead guitar performance from Paul Ayre. This is far and away the heaviest song on offer: I would love to hear more in a similar vein in the future.
The extra time spent rehearsing and recording (in their own new studio in Wigan) the songs featured here has really paid off. Whereas I was a little uncertain about some of the production values on the work-in-progress promo, there are, I feel no major concerns with the final version which has captured a band - still relatively in its infancy - starting to gel very nicely indeed. Besides those mentioned above, other stand out songs include opener 'Hide Away' which immediately introduces and demonstrates the excellent harmony vocals of Hayley McCarrick. 'The Rhythm' which reminds me a little of Karnataka and has a very different feel from anything else on the album, fun track (and shortest on the album) 'Bird In A Cage', the keyboard led and highly charged ballad 'Too Late To Say Goodbye' and bitter sweet album closer 'Line In The Sand' and another of the ones that will clearly be a crowd-pleaser in the live setting with Kirsty's soaring vocals and Paul's emotional guitar solos.
The other members of the band should not be overlooked as bassist/keyboardist Chris Picton and new drummer/percussionist Steve Atkinson are essential ingredients to the successful delivery of the songs in a variety of styles that are part of the repertoire of Quecia. I love this brave and extremely accomplished album and if the band can consolidate their achievements thus far with increased live (and video) exposure, I am sure they will garner considerable future acclaim.
Getreadytorock.com
QUECIA ‘II ’ (Deep End Records 501-196-6) ((2004)
Second album from the band that won awards at the Classic Rock Society last year and has been growing in popularity in the process. Along with Mostly Autumn and Karnataka, three bands that show there is life in the UK music scene outside of indie and metal bands. Secret weapon in the band has to be the vocal talents of Kirsty McCarrick (and I assume her sister Hayley who adds backing vocals throughout the album), who has a very melodious voice - shades of Clannad’s Marie Brennan.
Musically it’s a step-up on the debut with the drums higher in the mix and the guitars turned-up only when needed. Highlights? ‘Hide Away’ romps along and could easily make the playlist of BBC Radio 2. Sounds a bit like the Corrs! ‘The Rhythm’ is a haunting ballad making good use of keyboards and tight rhythm section. ‘Bird in a Cage’ enters pop rock territory with a jaunty chorus. ‘New Dress’ sees Kirsty hitting the high notes and crashing guitars - a fine tune and possibly the best here.
Quecia have come on leaps and bounds since their debut, which is no mean feat as the debut had many highlights. For those who love the female fronted rock of All About Eve, Mostly Autumn and Karnataka this is a ‘must have’.
****
Review by Jason Ritchie