All Or Nothing - The Subways

Feel drained from spreading all that love over Valentines Day yet? Recovered after all that heart warming and passion fuelled euphoria induced from the joy of togetherness? Alternatively, are you crouching in the corner weeping onto a mirror, just so that it looks as if someone caring is crying with you, shortly after you've arrived home from visiting/ watching your former lover, who is currently immersed in previously stated euphoria? If the latter is you, yes you with the red eyes and murderous intent, then what you need is a kick in the face, but from an understanding boot.
'All Or Nothing', from punchy Hertfordshire indie band The Subways will become your safety net; the self help manual to guide you through the gathering storm and sleepless nights.
Released in 2008, The Subways second album represents text book heart break as it documents both sides of a breakup. This may sound like over familiar territory for a young band, but in this instance the band are somewhat experienced in the matter. During the recording of the album, band members Billy Lunn and Charlotte Cooper ended a relationship which originally started the band, and acted as a muse for debut album 'Young For Eternity', which celebrated the everlasting beauty of young love. This division fuelled the songwriting, mainly from Lunn's perspective, behind 'All Or Nothing'; a carefully chosen title referring to the optimism and determination adopted by both parties in response to the difficulty of surviving as a functioning band battling with an internal breakup.
The album systematically leads the weary listener through all the stages of regret and hurt, starting with the angst ridden 'Girls And Boys' which sets the scene perfectly, inferring that both band members are lost and isolated within the bands world. Other significant tracks include 'Alright', 'I Won't Let You Down' and most moving of this selection 'Strawberry Blonde'. Drenched in melancholy, this soulful song finds Lunn contemplating the very nature of the breakup, and how the couple seemed so perfect. The real panical of the album is the title track which supplies the core optimistic guidance to all lonely hearts by urging the listener to hold their head up, and to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
One defining feature of the album has to be the fusion of honesty vocals wrapped up in angry melodies, truly showing all raw emotion.
Still crying in the corner? Get up, chin up, suit up and listen to 'All Or Nothing'; the charming friend who has been through all the heart break before, but wont mind walking you through yours. Happy Valentines!!!!!