Like the last entry, this edition of Warped will also feature a bands slightly more mainstream take on their established sound, and again the album is slightly patchy in places with some gems within (though it's less patchy than Mind Elevation). Most of the bad press seems to levelled against that fact, but I'm going to show you once again that a more mainstream approach isn't such a bad thing. Tune in this week, because it's Broadcast time again!
I prefer Haha Sound's introduction to the one on The Noise Made By People, their previous effort, it has that dreamy washed out quality to it right off the bat, which is something Broadcast consistently nail
There was a reason I said this LP has a *slightly* more mainstream take to the sound. Straight after the floaty intro it jarringly dumps you into this world of menacing electronics and imposing drums juxtaposed with the steady musings of Trish Keenan. And it's brilliant.
The cycle continues with this next track, with Pendulum fading ever so gracefully into Before We Begin, which sounds like a long lost record from the 60's; and that is pretty much Broadcast in a nutshell.
This is where the first "patch" as it were, occurs. The tracks aren't necessarily bad, they just... aren't anything special. Your patience is rewarded though, as as immediately afterwards you are treated to what is perhaps one of the band's best efforts.
Probably my overall favourite from this album, unlike most of their work it contains very little in the way of electronic effects, meaning that this track in particular sounds very crisp and all the other elements play into each other beautifully, all strung together by Keenan's unique voice.
Much like the above, though packing a bit more in the electronics department is Winter Now bears a structure akin to a pop song, albeit with that slightly skewed trademark Broadcast sound to it. Which really shows itself in the last 30 seconds or so.
And finally, playing us out is the rather out of place Hawk I was a bit unsure of this track at first (as I've already said it comes completley out of nowhere) but then those simple but oh so effective pads hit and I was in love, and I have grown to love the frantic rhythm in time as well. A fitting end? eh, sort of. An excellent track? Most Definitely
It will be a while before we see Broadcast's third (and ultimately, last) album. But we have more stuff from Squarepusher & Boards Of Canada to keep us occupied.
Until Then,
-Claude Van Foxbat
1 comment:
Great stuff.. I can't get enough of Warp!
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