Given and Taken in Ink

City Reign, "Making Plans" and "Out in the Cold"

Posted by Greg , Wednesday, January 12, 2011 12:26 AM

City Reign are an exciting young band from Manchester, UK.  Their first single, "Making Plans," was released back in September 2010.  New single "Out in the Cold" will be released on January 31 via their own Car Boot Records label.

I had not heard of City Reign until they sent me a preview of "Out in the Cold," but I think they're due for a tremendous breakthrough.  The band plays a brand of earnest, energetic rock not heard often enough anymore.  Songwriters Mike Grice and Chris Bull met at a Ryan Adams concert and eventually named their band after the Adams song "City Rain, City Streets."  Their catchy, guitar-based songs are propelled by a formidable rhythm section, comprised of bassist Michael Glaze and drummer Sam Jones.

Of the two singles, at first I was immediately drawn to "Making Plans," with its chugging riffs, kinetic drumming, and interwoven backing vocals.  Lead singer Chris Bull's voice bears an uncanny resemblance to Idlewild frontman Roddy Woomble on this track, although Bull sounds significantly more polished and mature than Woomble did at the beginning of his career.

"Out in the Cold" is actually the catchier of the two, and is a strong follow-up single.  Its chorus - "So why won't you let me go?" - is absolutely infectious.  Like any good hook, once it's stuck in your head you will find yourself singing it over and over for days.  It should resonate strongly with fans of bands like Oasis.

People always seem to say, "I wish there was better music on the radio these days."  Folks, this is what you're looking for.

City Reign has a bright future ahead, and I am very excited to hear what's next from them.

Making Plans:


Out in the Cold: