It's a wonderfully cool cloudy day in the big city and what a better way to celebrate the weekend than with new music. Today's offering comes to us from a relatively new UK band (2003), called Athlete, the album: "Tourist". Right out of the gate the similarities to ColdPlay are evident. However, there is something else going on here. The longer I play this cd, it becomes quite clear that it's a great mix of broader influences. If you listen closely, you'll find them a bit quirky, not in a Thom Yorke way, but there is something to Joel Pott's emo voice and the way he delivers the lyrics, that tease your senses and really make you fall in love their sound.
The opening track "Chances" is simply wonderous. The piano, the breaks in his voice, the orchestral beats...stunning. "Half Light" is more pop-oriented and wispy. It instantly reminded me of Robert Smith (The Cure) mixed with a bit of Tom Chaplin (Keane). The track "Trading Air" has the musical earmarkings of a Bowie influence. "Street Map" is a modern day love song. At three minutes into the track, you're taken away on this magic ride with blasts of firework beats and a voice that really pulls at your heart. The last song, called " I Love" is a sweet song, anchored down by excellent guitar work and sprinkled with bits of cool pulsing synthesizers , full of hope and happiness.
Overall, a good'un.
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2 comments:
I so wanted to hate this cd. I was convinced, after reading all the comparisons made to Cold Play, that I would. I didn't. It's cool and after dealing with their first album, which was very different, I wasn't sure how I'd react. Anyway, good review. I like your blog. You seem very together, how do you do that? LOL
Hey Monica,
You seem to like the UK groups alot - you should check out British Sea Power. I have started to listen to them more now, after having it for a while but neglecting them. They are actually really good and I think you would like them.
BTW, the Go! Team absolutely kicked this past Sunday. I have to say it was one of the best and most fun shows I've been to. The opening band, the Grates (from Australia) were pretty amazing as well. They reminded me alot of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, only the lead singer was more bouncy and upbeat (and very cute).
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