BEADY EYE - Different Gear, Still Speeding - Vinyl

Beady Eye's debut studio album emerged from the aftermath of Noel Gallagher's departure from Oasis, with the remaining band members forming a new rock group. The album, titled "Different Gear, Still Speeding," features the top 40 single "The Roller," along with tracks like "Bring the Light" and "Four Letter Word."

Despite the prevalent notion that Noel Gallagher was the primary songwriter for Oasis, and Liam's contributions were not highly regarded, Beady Eye's debut album defied expectations. Surprisingly, "Different Gear, Still Speeding" received positive reviews, with moments that even surpassed much of Oasis' post-"(What’s The Story) Morning Glory" material.

The album exudes the energy of a classic Who record, lacking in innovation but possessing a vitality reminiscent of the iconic band. Drawing inspiration from the Lennon and McCartney songbooks, as well as the retro Merseybeat sound of The La’s, the album maintains a commitment to big riffs, pounding drums, and basslines supporting simple melodies.

Produced by Steve Lillywhite during the summer of 2010 in London’s RAK Studios, the album features Liam Gallagher, Gem Archer on guitar, Andy Bell on bass, and Chris Sharrock on drums. While the songs carry a certain rawness, they also exhibit a more nimble and nuanced quality compared to some of Oasis' later works. Tracks like "Four Letter Word," "Millionaire," and "The Beat Goes On" showcase the band's ability to blend various influences, from powerful orchestral rock to folky Led Zep and Beatles-esque whimsy.

"Different Gear, Still Speeding" was a surprising success, proving that Liam Gallagher and his bandmates could create compelling music beyond the shadow of Oasis. The album closes with the epic "The Morning Son," a journey from acoustic beginnings to a psychedelic and baroque climax, leaving listeners impressed by the unexpected musical prowess of Beady Eye.