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The
Concretes
Self Titled
label: Astralwerks
released: 06.29.04
our score: 4.0 out of 5.0
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Like a fresh,
crisp wind blown in from the Baltic Sea, Swedish band The Concretes
have something very positive to contribute to life. Listening
to their new, eponymous album is to hear a variety of diverse
influences gloriously breathed in and exhaled as perfect pop with
guitars. Their website declares "We will rock you. Sort of."
And that sums up a sound that is difficult to place; one not shying
away from the rock genre but equally accessible to so many more
music fans.
The new album
kicks off with the brilliant "Say Something New", with
an explosion of guitars and a Doors-esque organ that becomes sensual
when Victoria Bergsman adds her ethereal vocals. Instant change
of musical direction is needed for the pop single "You Can't
Hurry Love", which follows and reminds me of a happy-go-lucky
single that would have been at home on REM's Out Of Time
offering back in 1991. All change again for track three, the fantastic
"Chico" which ambles in with qualities of the finest
lullaby. The diversity shown by The Concretes is definitely a
strength of this Swedish band, which has the capability of becoming
at least sleeping giants in the musical world they have graced.
The military
feel given to the song "Diana Ross" is impressive, while
the phenomenal organ and French feel of "Warm Night"
is understated genius. Bergsman is strong on vocals throughout,
perhaps struggling with high notes on a couple of tracks. Her
performance on "Foreign Country" would be at home on
a Sonic Youth single, while elsewhere she is more suited to the
sounds of The B52s or The Beautiful South. This is a testimony
to her diversity, and indeed the musical variation offered by
the seven other members of The Concretes.
This is a
debut album from a hugely talented and gifted outfit that are
at the beginning of what should be an incredible musical journey.
On that journey they will touch thousands of ears. Make sure yours
are one of the first.
25-Aug-2004
11:00 PM
If you
liked The Concretes...
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Tracklist:
1. Say Something New
2. You Can't Hurry Love
3. Chico
4. New Friend
5. Diana Ross
6. Warm Night
7. Foreign Country
8. Seems Fine
9. Lovin Kind
10. Lonely As Can Be
11. This One's for You
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