INVOLVING MUSIC IN REVIEW: “STRANGE WEATHER” BY SCOTT ANCHORS & THE HEAVYWEIGHTS

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Involving Music’s volunteer community created this review and photography. Their contributions help capture the sound and atmosphere of singles, albums and live shows across the South West of England, giving space to genuine fan voices and local perspectives. These pieces sit alongside our Spotlight features, helping shine a light on the artists shaping the region.

Album opener “Don’t Fight the Ride” starts with real intent: a strong 60s psychedelic guitar lick before the powerful riff swiftly kicks in, joined by sincere-sounding vocals a la Jane’s Addiction’s Perry Farrell and Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan. There is a Classic Rock feel here, though higher-end than the kinds of songs that appear on CDs from genre magazines. Nothing corny about this: it’s a catchy and sonically rich collection of quality, crafted songs.

By the third song, “Last Night on Earth”, this listener thinks that any of these songs could be lead-singles, so strong is the writing and delivery. The fourth track, “Big Star,” gets big kudos from me, as I adore that band’s timeless debut album!

The song avoids aping Big Star’s sound but has a similar punchy, summery and upbeat feel – a sonic smile.

Light and shade arrive in the shape of “Strange Weather” and “Wild Fire”,which lower the tempo without straying into “rock ballad” territory and have a strong sense of Tom Petty about them.

“Man on the Run” could be a lost 45 from under-rated 90s US Indie power-pop band “Dada” with some 80s crashing chorussy guitar chords and brings the tempo back up. The track order of this album flows well and provides enough variety in rhythm and feel to keep the listener engaged. This song makes me want to dance along to its infectious sing-along chorus.

Strange Weathers album cover for Scott Anchors and the Heavyweights — Photo Credit: Scott Anchors

“Dream Of You” picks up the pace and ends the album with a sunnier vibe, replete with drum and guitar wig-outs, after the more sombre tone of “Kathleen” and is reminiscent of Teenage Fanclub with its vulnerable vocals “maybe one day we’ll meet again” and slightly Britpop rhythm section. Also, I love a good fade-out! This has been out of vogue for many years. Bring back the fade-out!

Overall, this album has a riff-rock feel and sounds like it was made in a version of the 90s with more access to musical technology, as heard in the massively rich production, especially the vocals sit well within each song. The band channels a lot of the radio-friendly pop/rock of the late 80s but with an underlying shimmer of psychedelia in the beautifully played electric 12-string (Rickenbacker?) guitars.

The guitar solos are controlled, restrained and avoid the trap of being histrionic/overblown/cliched but instead add a touch of tasteful colour that sits well with the songs and the emotions on show.

What impresses me most about this debut album is the catchiness of the riffs coupled with clear production, solid songwriting and memorable choruses. I would love to see these songs played live and anticipate full rooms of people fully engaged and enjoying a good bounce!

Stu Pearce (No Ordinary Fish)

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Big Thanks

…to Stu Pearce of No Ordinary Fish for the review.

The new single dreamin’ by No Ordinary Fish, written by Debbie, reflects on love across a lifetime with a mix of memory and loss.

The lyrics shift between adulthood, recalling a past love now gone, and teenage years marked by innocent moments of carving names on a playground slide.

Atmospheric guitars and solos create a poignant, nostalgic soundscape, drawing on influences from Dreampop, Pink Floyd, John Martyn, and Stevie Nicks.

This track follows their single, ‘I Wonder,’ which received airplay on BBC Introducing, marking the band’s fourth release of the year.

dreamin’ will also feature on No Ordinary Fish’s upcoming third album.

Launching officially on Friday, 17th October.

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– Stu Pearce

Stuart Pearce is a musician and writer based in the South West. Best known as bassist and vocalist with the band No Ordinary Fish, he has been active on the local scene for years, bringing energy and authenticity to grassroots music. Alongside performing, Stuart contributes regular features for Involving Music, where his writing captures the atmosphere of live shows and delivers insightful music reviews. His dual role as performer and commentator gives him a unique perspective, making him a valued voice in documenting and supporting the region’s independent music culture.

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