Wichita (UK) 30th March 2009 (UK)
This is the first time I've encountered Peter Bjorn and John's work, which technically means I come as an apprentice to the critical table on this occassion. So let's do as the painter does and work from the top down.
The Feeling
This track displays some charming elements but doesn't really do it. Why you ask? Well, it's just a tad nonplus. Maybe it'll just take some time? Perhaps I need to listen a second or third time in order to consider it as part of the richer tapestry? My immediate reaction? Dull.
It Don't Move Me
Thank you for welcoming us back to the dance floor and away from the morose machinations of the bar. I can't deny I am putty in the hands of any artist who wishes to produce a tightly pre-programmed groove. This however is not stunning enough to lift me from the drudgery of the first track and at present, means I remain face down on the floor with my hands over my ears as a result of the impending fear of dissapointment. Roll on track 3.
Just The Past
Too frequently, this track embodies everything I hate about Live 8 at its most anthemic. There is a good bit in there and it's the hollowed out tunnel-of-air claps on the drums with ominous synthesiser. This is the only redeeming feature because of its links to Depeche Mode. Result? Still far from impressed.
Nothing To Worry About
Don't be fooled by this title. There's plenty to worry about. Chiefly, the loss of the next god knows how many minutes of your life. In addition I will not stand for annoying kids singing alongside a drawling electronically enhanced voice which quite frankly adds insult to injury.
Will it get any better, or merely just resemble the process of claiming one's tax back?
I'm Losing My Mind
You're not the only one it seems. It's quite clear that any originality, any innovation, is clearly buried deep within the minds of musicians who not only wasted a good dollop of electricity recording this track, but want paying for it.
Living Thing
This song reveals some great ideas but doesn't follow them through like it should. It's an 'ideas song'. You wouldn't appreciate receiving a Cadburys cream egg only to find it had no filling. Please, please don't try and sell something that sounds unfinished as a final product.
I Want You
Do you? Because I can't feel it. This track is happy, slappy and lilty, even quilty but definitely guilty of engendering boredom. It gestures at melancholly and not much else. You may want her. And we all know what it's like to 'want her' when we can't have her right? Do I believe you? Can I feel your pain? No I don't, and no I can't. Were you referring to wanting a light snack? In which case the delivery fits the subject matter perfectly.
Lay It Down
Jitter Bug by Wham? Peter? Bjorn? John? Now you boys put the rhythm you stole, back in the hands of artists who know how to use it and you'll get an ice cream from the nice man. 33 seconds in to Lay It Down you'll see what I mean. Nevertheless it's still plum duff.
Stay This Way
This song pulled me back (to a certain extent) from the talent starvation induced earlier on this evening. Once again I still feel as if I'm climbing a hill without enough water to sustain my full composure or preserve my biological extremities. I want to be drenched in bliss, but won't be I'll wager.
Blue Period Picasso
This track has its drops, lifts and fitting crescendos. Another 'ideas song' though? Yep. Incoherent references to abstract art? Yep. Bag of tripe not fit for human consumption? You guessed it.
Out Of 5
I listened to this one in the noose and admit to preparing all the relevant hanging paraphernalia half way through the last track. I do however like the line: "And when the saints go marching in" and following that: "something incomprehensible" that sounded rather dark and at the same time shared characteristics with Maynard James Keenan of Tool when he's singing with the Puscifer project. In fact, if, no, when, you get irritable and find yourself drowning in buckets of tedium, try listening to Momma Sed by Puscifer. Trust me, it'll be like converting from skimmed to semi skimmed milk.
Last Night
Oh yes, the last song on the list. Sweet Jesus praise be your mercy! This track does share something with Coldplay. What I mean of course, is that 'very something' I hate everything about. Plain bloody dullness.
To sum up then, the album was on the point of rescuing itself on the second track, but like Louis Hamilton and Tim Henman, fails to er ron the side of consistent delivery.
Good day!
Posted In Album Reviews, Apr 06 2009.
Words - Phillip