Not only does Weston-super-Mare boast a myriad of fruit machines, tacky souvenir shops and a golden beach, it is home to the new musical enigma known as The Sketch. Alongside touring, JP, Macca and Paul have spawned a demo that is as diverse as it is intriguing. Anthemic gustoWait, the first offering on this matchbox of songs, embodies a medley of themes using unstructured guitars and mingled arrangements. There is an abrupt end, with the drums bounding off each riff which imbues a sense of it's-not-fair angst. Perfect for distressed teenagers and bored donkeys alike. Layered vocals and single-noted riffs can be heard on Taking Control. In essence, a good track albeit lacking the anthemic gusto found on the remaining tracks of the CD. It's a tad doleful, but if you're in that frame of mind it's an ideal soundtrack for brooding over an ex. Or perhaps planning a life-changing career move. A Generation of Denial has an intro that could belong to any emo, punk or pop song. It gives way to the chorus, sung by what sounds like the screaming Pennie from The Automatic had he joined Placebo instead. The waltzy rhythm tires somewhat after a few listens, as does the over-repeated title line. Signature SoundTrack four is an acoustic song called Selfish Ways. The soft vocals and delicate strumming deflects from the harshness found on tracks one to three, and projects a mellow side to The Sketch. In a musical market more crowded than a West Country beach on the hottest day of the year, these guys have a challenge. But with a signature sound and a fervour for experimentation, they may just get the lucky break they deserve. | 
