Having built up a mass of followers over the last few years, NWOCR favourites Collateral are ready to release their second album ’Should’ve Known Better’ which has been produced by Dan Weller (Those Damn Crows, Kris Barras). After a number of changes to the line-up, the band are now a four piece with Angelo Tristan on Vocals and Guitar, Louis Malagodi on Guitar, Drummer Ben Atkinson and Bassist Jack Bentley-Smith.
These guys have matured so much since I saw them at their initial gigs. ‘Glass Sky’ is first on the menu and the recent single is a war cry that resists pressure, remaining a melodic and enchanting number with those outstanding vocals from Angelo. Guitarist Louis provides an opening riff that stopped the singer in his tracks when he first heard it, “That’s it… That’s the hit” he exclaimed. I like ‘Original Criminal’ it has bite and sultry charisma. The funk Rock attitude, being akin to ‘Extreme’, at their height. ‘Just One Of Those Days’ sees the band from Kent doing what they do best, big swelling harmonies and loads of striking guitar licks, with that unmistakable rhythm from Jack and Ben. ‘Teenage Dream’ has a ‘Bon Jovi’ feel and ‘On The Long Road’ is a caressing ballad, written with those recently lost in mind. It’s also Angelo’s favourite track and very emotional, get those tissues ready for the live performance.
Love can often hurt ‘No Place For Love’ tackles all the ups and downs relationships can bring. It’s another with a melody that stuns. The last track ‘Final Stand’ is heavier and looks at dark messages and inner demons that face you in the mirror. Angelo states it balances the album out and I agree, there is so much depth in ‘Should’ve Known Better’ and it’s such a captivating piece of work.
Word by Diane Davies
