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Rating: It is a widely held and reasonable opinion that nothing new is invented in music anymore. Those who step into the spotlight can only clone a predecessor. Derivative is perhaps the most used adjective to describe this phenomenon. Some manage it well and, although derivative (again!), they are appreciated, others, however, abort rambling projects.
The Polyphonic Spree are a somewhat atypical example in the contemporary music scene and not really attributable to something well-defined. Should we dare to say that they are a voice out of the choir? Exaggerated, you might say.
Maybe it is true, but at the moment I cannot find a targeted comparison to identify the freak-hippies congregation spawned by the madman Tim DeLaughter.
An ideal continuation of their debut album, which it follows in its footsteps, the new work picks up right from there, even in the artistic habit of numbering tracks from "section 11" to "section 20".
Twenty-three (or perhaps more) members for an ambitious and pretentious project that can also seem laughable and accuse them of pompous megalomania cannot seem too far off the mark.
They present themselves in unlikely messianic robes, mixed genders, and they offer a sort of melodious symphonic pop with musical-revivalist accents.
Soft piano lines that suddenly explode into joyful choruses, accompanied by brass of all kinds, various percussion, strings and chords for every taste, in a true polyphonic revelry.
A hasty listen might also result in a sense of boredom, as the harmonic construction does not have too many variations throughout the 57 minutes of the album. However, once immersed in the furious vortex of voices, choruses, and counterpoints, it will not be difficult to find oneself fascinated. One cannot remain impassive in front of a song like Hold Me Now with a chorus on the verge of perfection. Even the longer tracks, and there are several, have tumultuous development, made of pauses and sudden accelerations, making it a truly unique work in its genre.
Indeed! But what genre?
Imagine the Beatles and XTC being asked to compose the music for Jesus Christ Superstar. Or think of a modern gospel choir inserted into a theatrical happening.
It might be one of those cases where you either love them or hate them.
Guess on which side the reviewer stands.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
02 Hold Me Now (04:30)
He started the day with a mood and a shake.
He was finally arranged.
And someone said with a cold, hard chest, "You're a mess!"
He woke up at nights.
He thought he was twice.
He was moving away
cause everyone thinks that it goes away with age.
Hold me now.
Don't start shaking.
You keep me safe.
Don't ever think you're the only one
when times are tough in your new age.
Hold me now.
Don't start shaking.
You keep me safe.
Don't ever think you're the only one
when times are tough in your new age.
You better be cool at the time.
He's walking along with his soul in his lungs.
Ya stare at him long you can find a new song.
Everyone thinks they've got a new phrase.
But you're still miles away.
You're still miles away.
I said, "You're still miles away."
(Repeat 2x)
Hold me now. Don't start shaking.
You keep me safe.
Don't ever think you're the only one
when times are tough in your new age.
Instrumental Bridge
(Repeat 4x)
Hold me now. Don't start shaking.
You keep me safe.
Don't ever think you're the only one
when times are tough in your new age.
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