Review: Mull Historical Society – City Awakenings
It’s little more than a few notes into the chiming percussion and trotting guitar led instrumental to opener, ‘Must You Make Eyes At Me Now’. That you realise how much this band, once voted twelfth greatest Scottish band of all time, have been missed during their lengthy hiatus. When the strained and genuine vocals of Colin Macintyre kick in, then a pondering stirring, blues layered intro, makes you just want to yell “welcome back guys!” at your IPod or choice of music playing medium. It blends neatly into the churning, more vocal grizzle inclusive attack on false lovers, ‘Can You Let Her Know’.
‘Must You Get Low’, shows that the old school indie bands are still the best at the pace chilling, slow-burning and stirring ballad, as this concept album that explores the importance of cities takes a bracing nostalgic pit-stop. A lively, digitally toed edge ups the tempo for ‘Honey Pie’, as Macintyre’s vocals take on a more dramatic, strained edge and increase in profile to match that of the instrumentals. It shows that eclectic adventure is still within them.
Of course, the lyrics still hold meaning, heart, reflection and food for thought. With the slow, stirring and nearly wooing backing spiced, ‘This Is Not My Heart’ being a prime example of this:
“Love letters of stone won’t set alight: I am alone in your lie.
I was awake just thinking of you.”
Usually when an evergreen, what some people would call veteran band reunites six plus years after their last album, it makes you question their motives and even desire. Are they doing it because all other avenues have led to a dead end? No, not in this case; Mull Historical Society still has something to say and some cities to explore.
Mike Patton – The Solitude of Prime Numbers
Mike Patton’s new album is another film score. Kind of. It’s “music from the film and inspired by the book,” which from my understanding means that it’s music from the score and the stuff that was left on the cutting room floor.
Solitude of Prime Numbers is an Italian film that looks like it won’t be released in the States. It’s a bit of a shame, because I’d like to hear the music in the context it’s meant to be heard in. So I tried to read the novel which is extremely depressing. Which I’m fine with, but didn’t really find much depth in the characters outside of being lonely and miserable.
But the music is very good. Quite different than his last two scores. This one’s a bit more somber and ambient. Very string and piano laden synths. Looking through the credits, Patton thanks Carpenter which wasn’t immediately apparent, but makes sense thinking about it now. I guess the best way to describe it is as one of those artsy albums that I probably won’t think to listen to a lot, but will enjoy very much when I do.
VRSA – Galaxia
OK. So the year’s ending, and because the site was down, busy schedule, and general procrastination, I’ve had a couple albums sitting around for months that I’ve been intending on reviewing. I’m going to reacquaint myself with these albums and give a couple quick reviews to get myself caught up as I’m already getting albums to be released next year.
Galaxia is the sophomore effort from the Connecticut rock group. This is a pretty different album from last year’s Old Man Gray. For one thing the songs are longer. Its more of a streamlined writing style. The diversity is found more within each song as opposed to splitting up into different songs.
Like Old Man Gray it starts out with a heavy rocker and progresses to spacey jams. It’s cool. If you like the first, you shouldn’t be disappointed. If you haven’t heard the first, check one them out. Seriously.
Review: Rude Audio – That Dirty Echo
This album is a sheer delight to listen to.For those new to electronica/dubstep/techno,here is a fizzy mix of tracks to initiate you.This album,the debut from Rude Audio,consists of 13 tracks.Rude Audio are from South London,and they include musicians,vocalists,producers and engineers.They have been active for three years,releasing music under the name Unusual And Electric,and winning praise from BBC Radio DJs Nemone,Rob da Bank and Gideon Coe.Also Drowned In Sound and Clash Music have praised their work highly.The music is best described as 90s nostalgia,plus techno and dubstep influences.This album is original and refined.
Released on 14th November 2011,That Dirty Echo lives up to its name.I loved the opening track,Now It’s Light-with its revitalising “wake-up”sound.Sleep Delays My Life is excellent.Funky and chunky,its repetitive theme persists on the ear. Lufbra Vigil sounds like Madness on a trip.
Lush,lively and polished,best describes Streatham Rising.A neat piece of work here,and not too harsh on the ear.
A favourite track of mine.Now Its Dark sounds like a GOOD remix;which of course it isn’t.Not so keen on Rise In Peckham though,although it has a message.
Hippy House I did like – pure techno pleasure.Fin On A Hill is in the same vein ….nice and lightweight techno listening,crystalline and classy with it. Matty Dub is fun;reggae-style and cheerful,short and sharp.
Wise Blood is a bit jagged on the ear,but it nevertheless fits in to the Rude Audio slot.Undertow Experiment is a bit Dr Who theme-y,with a spot of Hank Marvin style dubbed guitar thrown in.Mmm,intriguing!
Fever Scientist,the penultimate track,is very dreamlike and haunting,yes its the most haunting track on the album,sounding like a Twin Peaks theme.
The last track,Cutter And Bass is a perfect ending to a brilliant first album.
by Juliet Robertson