Reviews

The Cooper Temple Clause - Make This Your Own

Without managing to appeal to the masses in their just shy of a decade career, on their third and last album the Clause go out with a bang. The album has a different feel to it's predecessors, it seems more optimistic and the band appear to be confident as ever. Even if not as chaotic and fresh as their past material they still manage to create a broad template with each track offering something new at each turn.

Opening with "Damage" it's instantly one of the most cheesiest and catchiest tracks you'll hear this year. Finishing up with the pop sounds of the first track they plunge into the rocking "Homo Sapiens", a pleasant dose of aggression. Years ago, I was instantly intrigued when just reading about this band before I even heard them, (mostly named related) critics had already applied them the electronic rock tag, which intrigued me the most, as it's a hard style to pin down successfully. These guys may not be Primal Scream but playing together would be a wet dream. "Head" and "Connect" have the full blend of the electronic rock thing happening, which both work quite well. In the vein of Suede comes the catchy tune "Waiting Game", with also the Placeboesque style vocals. "Take Comfort" is a departure with the straight forward acoustic guitars and xylophone filling out the background."What Have You Gone and Done" and "Isn't it Strange" are both striking as well, exhibiting the fine songwriting the band possessed.

Influences are apparent on this record with echoes of Spiritualized, Suede, Happy Mondays and Primal Scream strewn throughout the record. Some fans may be really disappointed with the direction the band sailed in on this effort, ditching the destructive path for a more commercial sound. I almost sold this record down the river until i decided to give it a few more spins in which I'm really glad I did. Even though the album tends to falter occasionally it's still a really fine effort. It's sad to see The Cooper Temple Clause go their separate ways.

7/10

Sean B

Reviews

Okkervil River - The Stage Names

Easily one of the most impressive albums to be released in the year of 2007. Where 2005's Black Sheep Boy was on the verge of finding the band some success, it wasn't until The Stage Names where Okkervil River would establish their name. Looking around the community this album has barely a bad review, and it isn't without reason.

Will Sheff does everything right here, straight off the blocks he delivers us the song of the year in "Our Life Is Not a Movie or Maybe" his voice employs a deepness, drenched in heartbreaking emotion supported by an optimistic soundtrack of effective acoustic guitar muting and heavy chord hitting, with piano, playing an integral part to the songs structure. It's been awhile since a song of this calibre evoked so much. You really seem to feel what he's feeling even if you know or know not what that is.

Continuing in the upbeat, rollicking fashion comes "Unless it Kicks", "A Hand to Take Hold of the Scene" and "You Can't Hold the Hand of a Rock and Roll Man" all smooth rock and rollers but not in guitar heavy sense, they all bop along favourably with so much style and flair. As fun as these tracks are it's in the ballads that The Stage Names really comes alive. Never have i witnessed so much emotion bombarded onto one record. "Savannah Smiles" conveys all that should be in a ballad, so much allure and charm sometimes becoming overwhelming, but that occurs in "A Girl in a Port" as soon as Sheff's voice climbs it's crippling, so much delicacy. After taking a deep breath we are handed a cover of the Beach Boys "Sloop John B" in the second part of "John Allyn Smith Sails", what a way to go out.

This album has no doubt won the band so many adoring fans and so it should have, if not the best album you'll hear this year it's one of them. It marks the arrival of yet another truly talented songwriter.

Even the artwork is great.

8.5/10

Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank

Modest Mouse have been one of the most watched bands in indie rock since the release of their hit single "Float On". After having their first taste of commerical success, this little engine that could's next album was one of the most anticipated records to date, not only was there excitement amongst the community about hearing some new material but mostly because ex-Smiths guitar slinger Johnny Marr had supposedly joined the ranks of Isaac Brocks small army of musicians.

The record was expected to drop late 2006 but to no avail the band held off until setting a date for early 2007. It has to be said Modest Mouse probably have two sets of fans, ones existing prior to 2004's "Good News For People Who Love Bad News" and the new fans jumping on board after. The music has slightly changed since their earlier days but the method towards song writing and structure has stayed basically the same. Isaac Brock is pure oddball and that's what makes this band stand out from the rest.

Beginning fresh with the jubilant "Dashboard", filling the void for fans awaiting another "Float On" or something similar, getting the band even more radio play. The album takes some getting used to as it is a platter of mix and matched rock sorts played out by the maestro Brock. "March Into The Sea" catches our attention off the bat with it's quirky intro quickly whisked into the Modest madness we all know and love. "Fire It Up" can become quite overwhelming after a few listens only saved by some excellent musicianship three quarters into the song. Back to back is "Florida" heading towards rock track of the year and "Parting of the Sensory" a slow building journey leading towards a rather surprising but satisfying end.

The Shins front man James Mercer guest stars on a few tracks lending his voice for some back up vocals. "Missed the Boat" and "We've Got Everything" are the catchy pop crowd pleasers. "Spitting Venom" is the longest and most awarding song here, just wait till that riff kicks in, and "Little Motel" is just a such a wonderful song, the word beautiful even comes to mind.

The album is no doubt a peculiar collection of tracks plucked from all parts of the Brock spectrum, some aren't as impressive as others but even the more unimpressive songs still contain outstanding musical moments strewn throughout them. Johnny Marr definitely adds a spark to the proceedings in which his influence is felt throughout. Even if this in no way, matches the quality of their past material it's still a really great album. Brock is one of the most talented songwriters of today, serving up another dish of his quirky lyrics and unconventional guitar playing, with his outlandish vocals now unmistakable among any knowledgeable rock crowd. We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank is easily one of the most enjoyable rock releases you'll hear this year.

7.5/10

Band of Horses - Cease to Begin

Band of Horses are just one of the slew of bands (Arctic Monkeys) releasing material less than a year after their debut album. The reason I point this out, is because it's quite suprising how quick some of these bands are moving and how much fresh material they have hidden beneath their belts. Is it too fast and will these bands burn out?

We first got a taste of Band of Horses last year on "Everything All the Time" a promising debut it was, an album full of rocking numbers with a folk/country feel to it. "The Funeral" got them a substantial amount of attention, how would they fare second time round? Some have already stated they like it much more then it's predecessor, some think otherwise. Cease to Begin See's front man Ben Bridwell, expanding his songwriting talents even further with an even dose of rock and roll and balladry, even though the ballads seem to have been more at focus here. "No One's Gonna Love You" shows his versatility before leading into the albums centre piece "Detlef Schrempf" a very touching statement.

"Is There a Ghost", "Ode to LRC" and Cigarettes, Wedding Bands" are all blistering rock numbers working in perfectly with the more melancholy material, though none as equally as impressive as the jaunty "The General Specific". Considering founding member Mat Brooke decided to leave Bridwell in the lurch to pursue his own band it's surprising how much focus was retained to create such a cohesive effort. This won't be the bands most defining work but it's defintiely a promising path towards it.

7/10

Sean B

Reviews

Jose Gonzalez - In Our Nature

Continuing on the similar path he successfully created on debut album, Veneer. Our favourite Swedish artist Gonzalez returns with a warm welcome serving up a dish of what he does best. If you loved the debut album this record is definitely for you.

Sometimes it's disappointing when certain artists do the same thing over and over without ever progressing, though Jose seems content in his vision and he makes it work at every turn. "How Low" is a worthy opener, exhibiting his fine guitar picking skills, followed by the catchy single "Down the Line" which is nothing but fine song craft. On Veneer he covered the Knife's "Heartbeats" making the song even more famous then the original version. This time around he turns his attention to one of Massive Attacks greatest achievements with "Teardrop" which he has occasionally included on set lists of recent tours.

The song is an instant highlight, drenched in guitar picking brilliance, emotional and heartbreaking the song builds and builds. The album clocks in at just over 30 minutes long, with most of the album following in the same footsteps until we reach the last and longest track here. On "Cycling Trivialities" here he displays everything that he is and him at his most powerful, swirling melodies matched by his pleasant distinctive voice.

In Our Nature is maybe seen as a Veneer sequel of sorts but it's no doubt impressive if not a little repetitive from time to time, not taking anything away from the quality of the material displayed here, this firmly establishes him as one of the most talented folk artists of today.


7/10


The Hives - The Black and White Album

Fourth album in and still rocking their hearts out. The Hives release their follow up to their successful 2004 effort Tyrannosaurus Hives. First single and track number 1 "Tick Tick Boom" is relentlessly rocking and never gets boring.

The album is a little bit of a mix and match type affair with a few catchy rockers like "Try it Again", "It Won't Be Long", "Return The Favour" and "Square One Here I Come", though none of them quite match the flair of the single. I wasn't surprised at the inclusion of experimental material and i think it pays off, even if their rock tracks may have dwindled a little in the energy and creativity department, with their attention directed elsewhere.

The quirky instrumental dystopian like "A Stroll Through Hive Manor Corridors", the Pharrell Williams produced funky romp "T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S" which is instantly catchy, the idiosyncratic "Giddy Up" and the drum and guitar less "Puppet on a String" all are strange but welcome songs to the Hives catalogue. Still rocking but a little different compared to their previous works is also other Pharrell Williams produced track "Well Alright!" and the strutting "You Dress Up For Armageddon".

The Hives are working in all moods, visions and flavours here but they always keep it fun and simplistic. The ever hedonistic front man Pelle Almqvist is in his ever blistering form, never tiring or boring belting out his ever humorous and nonsensical lyrics. The album is fairly different from anything they have done in the past but it somehow works. The record closes with the much rocking and exhilarating "Bigger Hole to Fill" going out on a complete high, the Hives are back with force. Want fun, quirk and the most ridiculously awesome front man of our times? Here it and he is, enjoy.


7.5/10


Sean B

Album Reviews - 31/10/07

Devendra Banhart - Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon

He’s music’s been described as many things, but this time around US song smith, Devendra Banhart and his backing band have opted to strip things right back with their latest instalment of psychedelic trips in “Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon”.

After the drug induced freak-folk haze Banhart has instilled over the past couple of years, this album is certainly the comedown affair of the bunch and when you listen to it, you will totally get this feeling.

The two sticking points begin with the epic ‘Seahorse’. It twists in your stomach with it’s musical foray of psychedelic nostalgia and mind tripping lyrics that all start from the song title itself. Although ‘Saved’ has a stripped backed feel to it, an injection of soul ventures into the background of the song, which is a nice change for Banhart and one that many will be surprised by.

“SRDTC” has to go down as Banhart’s most accessible album to date. Despite people wanting a more obscure aesthetic to dote over, this is an album that the hippie-esque songwriter was destined to make. Although I can see listeners having a slight distaste for it, it’s an album that you can relax to, and this alone makes it different from any other work Banhart has rendered to his audience thus far.

7/10

Simon K

The Good, the Bad & the Queen - The Good, the Bad & the Queen

Never had Damon Albarn tasted as much success with the Gorillaz then he did with Britpop sensations Blur, in which some Gorrilaz fans not even knowing who he is. Now the mastermind behind the Gorillaz, set his sights on another project which in mid to late 2006 became of the most anticipated records on the calendar for 2007.

Recruiting members from other familiar bands such as the Clash's bassist Paul Simonon and the Verve's Simon Tong, without the public knowing too much about the project, what was know was that it was said to be quite the departure from his previous endeavours. To descirbe their sound is quite a challenge as the album conveys quite an original sound. I can only liken them to parts of the Beta Band and bits and pieces of the Gorrilaz.

The album never seems to reaches it's goal, a greater portion of the tracks are slowburning and have a moody atmospheric quality, Albarns vocals included are as melancholy as the music. The album contains interesting compositions though they just lack a certain zest, so interest is lost in the making even if the sometimes elegant and gloomy soundscapes are occasionaly ravishing. Even with Dangermouse producing the outcome is still on an average level.

"The History Song" sets the tone for most of the album. This is a very ambitious set of songs and for that matter and fans have seemed to lost interest with only a handful endlessly defending it. "Kingdom of Doom" gives us the first taste of the band finding there footsteps before leading into the almost epic "Herculean" the first single lifted and easily the best track the album offers. The rest of the album seems to meander not really portraying the effectiveness of the few brilliant tracks. Filled with lush orchestrations and multi instrumentation, which are a pleasure to the ears, there is just something missing.

If its elegance and a well produced intriguing album is what you're after then this is a must, though if your hoping for a fun catchy pop record sadly this isn't for you. Never amazing, though not entirely unsuccessful, Albarn uses this project as an outlet to vent and continues to establish himself as an artist. Thankfully finishing on a high note with the much diverse title track, the longest and most rewarding song here, not all is lost. If the boys decide to get together again I'll be surely interested in what they come up with.

6/10

Sean B