Demo Den: JOBE

THIS two track demo is the first progress report from Jobe since they uprooted from the Ribble Valley and moved to Manchester.

The good news is that even after just one blast of the CD, the improvement in the lyrical content is glaringly obvious. They've always had the catchy hooks and solid melody but the real fly in the ointment has at been some poor throwaway lines.

Slinky was the worst offender with lines which sold one of their best efforts well short of the mark.

Still working with Jonathan Barrett - who helped discover Colne's Milltown Brothers - the quartet are now recording in Cheetham Hill's Blueline Studio.

Rumour is the first up, it's a moody ballad unlike anything they've done before. Precise, punchy lines paint a seedy atmospheric scene and backed by some bare guitar licks is welcome addition to their set.

The second effort Bluster, is a brilliant reworking of an old tune. Rob Williams guitar playing works the melody in the same way as Edge does for U2. Building from a light breezy start it explodes into a classic indie guitar tune plastered with great effects that really does their talents justice.

If Bluster has benefited so much from this overhaul then Slinky, is simply crying out for a whole new lyric and then re-recording.

Now moving in the right direction their report card should read doing a lot better but have the potential for a lot more.

The lads next Manchester date is at the Ashton Witchwood on August 29.