However this album is solid proof that Gallagher can stand alone and still create incredible rock music, with the past in the past and the future looking very bright. Its an incredible sounding album with wispy remnants of an iconic British rock and roll sound from the 1990's brought back in into the light through Gallagher’s triumphant second album.
It seems impossible for people to discuss Noel Gallagher without referring to Oasis. Due to their lasting impact on British rock music, their working class story or their ability to capture a crowds feelings, one thing for sure is that Noel Gallagher will never live without these referrals. It seems such an incredible thing, to be credited part of such a successful band, however now is Gallagher's new band living in an old bands shadow ? Are people being to retrospective ? Are we all simply in a state where were 'Chasing Yesterday ?'
In October last year, 'Chasing Yesterday' Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds second album was announced and within weeks the first single 'In the Heat of the Moment' video was released. The video, fourth months on has saw been viewed over a million times.
This album follows on from the bands self titled debut in 2011 which topped British charts, going double platinum.
The title for the album 'Chasing Yesterday' comes from the lyrics of 'While the Song Remains the Same' (a single on the album).
The album its self is a triumph. It moves on from the debut album with a more developed sound. With soul influenced and blusey undertones, with songs like 'Riverman' with its sax filled ending, this album has a different sound to it. This album isn't like one of Gallagher's other albums - regardless of what band he was in. It seems less annoyed and defiant than previous releases. Yet this album does have an Oasis earkmark to it, mainly coming from the single 'Lock All the Doors' written in 1992, near the initial creation of the band.
There's something about this album that has a sense where Gallagher seems more relaxed and wants to create a different sound, where he manages to escape his iconic sound whilst being able to recapture it for one song or one hundred if he chose to. Its a new sound and a new style, but it is still incredible sounding even if it isn't what people expected it to be.
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds have a six date UK tour this month, going to the US in early summer, before coming back to the UK for their headline festival sets at Calling Festival, T in The Park and Summer in the City.
Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds Official Site