We cut through the hype and give the one thing lacking in so many places these days: an honest opinion. We're not going to put something down for the sake of it either. For an honest outlook on music (and other subjects), you're in the right place!
I went to see Editors a couple of months back. I’d never quite understood their appeal (the sublime Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors aside), but the missus is a big fan so I thought I’d indulge her. I can report back that they were good though quite samey and that Wintersleep blew them out of the water (you can see why I write music reviews can’t you, didn’t that just paint you a picture of the whole evening?). They seemed to be possessed of only one tempo and the set seemed to drag itself along. They had a good light curtain at the back of the stage though, so kudos for that lads!
It was then, with a hint of trepidation that I set about reviewing this album. As the disc went for it’s first spin my heart fell, this was clearly a band so in awe of Manchester’s electro-miserablists that it fairly oozed out of every chord and vocal nuance. Undeterred though I had a listen again the next morning on the way to work. Little moments began to emerge from the gloom, the angry stomp of lead single Papillon was suddenly interesting and the tracks seemed a little more inviting.
I’m on, I think (Last.fm seems to have stopped working) my tenth or eleventh run through the album now and it’s subtleties have been laid bare. This is far and away the bands best release to date and while it doesn’t stray far from what we’re used to it does at least seem to be looking outward rather than in.
I hesitate to type the word but there seems to be a touch of hope about some of the songs here, there’s even a choir on the closing Walk The Fleet Road a song that, while it isn’t exactly an upbeat summer anthem has a nostalgic glow about it’s melancholy.
Eat Raw Meat = Blood Drool might have a title that would be a better fit for those straight edge militant vegan punks that always seem to pop up at Battle Of The Bands contests never to be seen again, but it has a blend of Kraut rock and Radiohead that is charmingly appealing.
The one thing this album most noticeably lacks, Papillon aside, is marketable singles and I honestly think this might alienate the casual fan who kind of liked them on the radio (if this is you, never mind just go check out White Lies instead). Conversely I think their darker moments and willingness to keep taking (admittedly small) steps toward true uniqueness might rope in some more hardcore fans. Sort out that live show though guys, before I come see you again!
From all of us here at Call Upon The Author, have a very merry Christmas. We thought we’d share a little present with you. So below are a few lovely free downloads for you to enjoy!
Expatriate have just finished touring with Placebo and release their debut album in early 2010. There are high hopes for this band who have picked up plaudits across Europe. Check out Blackbird to see what people are making so much fuss about. Blackbird
New Yorker Mascott has teamed up with Gramercy Arms (who feature former members of Guided By Voices) to provide the festive This Christmas Time. Click the link below to help you get into the mood. This Christmas Time
We’ve got Cagedbaby’s remix of You Don’t Know Love by Editors for those of you who prefer your music with a bit of an edge. You Don’t Know Love (Cagedbaby Remix)
Victoria and Jacob have often been compared to the likes of Bjork and The Postal Service with their ethereal and otherowrldly music. To celebrate the end of the decade they’ve made Clash, a track from their 2008 EP available for free download, so we thought as it’s a time for gift giving, we’d share it with you. Clash
Mixing psychedelic insanity with Beach Boys harmonies, The Keys have released their own Christmas tune. Queuing Up For Christmas is a seasonal treat that really should be on all your festive playlists Queuing Up For Christmas
There were mixed opinions as my better half and I took the train to Southampton. She was excited about the prospect of seeing Editors and declared that the support would be, in her words, “meh!”. I disagreed, venturing the opinion that the headliners set would be bland and over rehearsed but the spontaneous nature of Wintersleep would make them an exciting live proposition.
Before we could get an answer though, the first band of the night, Airship, took to the stage. They weren’t bad actually, but there was too much going on. If they could pick a style and stick with it, they could well go places though.
Wintersleep were next up and I was excited, I’d not seen these guys since I was in Toronto in 2007 and it was worth the wait, a blistering set saw the band really come to life with a heavier and more thumping version of ‘Weighty Ghost’ than you’d get on record. Following up with ‘Oblivion’ these Nova Scotians were clearly hooking the audience and at least one person in the audience was loudly singing along. The band ended with a blistering jam on the always impressive ‘Nerves Normal, Breath Normal’. On any given night this is a live favourite but I can’t imagine it being better than this punchy, visceral take!
Editors chose not to compete musically, rather they had a rather impressive lightscreen. The band were slick, but there was a complete lack of highs and lows, every song seemingly the same as the last. Needless to say, the crowd – largely covered in tee-shirts bought on their way in – lapped it up. After just under an hour, we’d had enough and headed out into the night… I think it’s safe to say though, that I was right!
Time ofr another roundup of our favourite online clips, first up are Johnny Foreigner with the promo for ‘Criminals’, set to be the first release from their forthcoming album ‘Grace and the Bigger Picture’. Next up, and perfect for a sunday morning when your ears are still ringing, Voluntary Butler Scheme with ‘Trading Things In’, it’s a quirky little video for a lovely little tune. Har Mar Superstar is back with another viral clip touting his return later this year! The big guns are out too, with Editors new track Papillon (if you liked their earlier stuff, this is a future classic). Last, but by no means least, we have some rather lovely indie-pop by Silent Years. Give them a watch and let us know what you think….
I went to see Editors a couple of months back. I’d never quite understood their appeal (the sublime Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors aside), but the missus is a big fan so I thought I’d indulge her. I can report back that they were good though quite samey and that Wintersleep blew them out of the water (you can see why I write music reviews can’t you, didn’t that just paint you a picture of the whole evening?). They seemed to be possessed of only one tempo and the set seemed to drag itself along. They had a good light curtain at the back of the stage though, so kudos for that lads!
There were mixed opinions as my better half and I took the train to Southampton. She was excited about the prospect of seeing Editors and declared that the support would be, in her words, “meh!”. I disagreed, venturing the opinion that the headliners set would be bland and over rehearsed but the spontaneous nature of Wintersleep would make them an exciting live proposition.
