I heard one track that piqued my interest and I also quite liked the cover so I thought I would have a pop at reviewing this (as you do) but it is kind of a strange album to get a hold on.
It is split across two CD's and both of them are very different. The first sounds more like a traditional indie band. The strident song writing reminds me of Matt Johnson and The The but also of more recent releases such as 'Macaroni' by Bobby Conn both in terms of lyrics and vocal style and also the brash and somewhat angular sound.
There is also humour at play but that is not quite as inclusive as Bobby Conn. It feels more sardonic, almost as if you are being told a joke but being laughed at at the same time. The musicianship is consistently good and ditto for recording and production but I am not sure what these songs are all about and where exactly I am being transported to whilst listening to them? It's all a bit of a mystery. The songs on the first CD are almost faux metal at times. 'She Said' repeats the phrase "just fuck off" to good effect. It's like a cross between Rage Against The Machine and 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. 'Blunted' limps along. 'Creation Theory' sounds the same but benefits from going a bit Inspiral Carpets.
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It is the second CD I prefer. You could class it as more prosaic but I prefer it's simple sound of strings and piano and also the style of vocals which are more spoken and torch like. 'Pure White Speed' is Thin White Duke. 'This Way' is something of a show tune with pizzicato strings and Jacques Brel on the mic. 'Everything Dies' is best of all. All the elements work in harmony. 'Control' starts strumming and thrumming and there are female vocals on this one as well and the final track 'Column' does not set my pulse racing either. All in all maybe in six months I will love it but right now it's a bit meh.
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