I've been dreading this day; the day I have to review the South album. But don't get me wrong, it's not because it's terrible. Quite the opposite in fact, it's very good, but that's the problem. An album so beautifully gelled together as this, has resulted in weeks of psyching myself up to the monumental task I faced of breaking it down and attempting to get my head round it.
Ther first obvious thing about South is the Stone Roses undertones (actually they're quite a bit more prominant than undertones if the truth be told)which runs through the album. They crop up mainly melodically; but fear not my friends this is NOT a Stone Roses tribute album by any means.
Luckily enough for us South have fused all things electronis with Mogwai-esque instrumentals and transcending strings to find their very own original looking feet.
Whilst Mogwai-ism can be heard, South could clearly be heir to the mighty Scots throne as Kings of length; with South not being afraid to savour each track leaving it to linger in the memory. And that's why this is such a beautifully crafted album. Through using all the track reprises and songs with various parts, it can be a wee bit confusing(if you're someone as easily confused as I am anyway) but that all adds to the charm as it's fantastically intruiging never once prompting for tracks to be skipped.
The singles 'Paint The Silence' and current release 'Keep Close' are obvious stand out tracks alongside 'By The Time You Catch Your Heart' and 'Live Between The Lines(Back Again)'
Despite being an album containing many clearly fucked up moments, there are obviously equally as many accessible moments as shown by the frequent radio airtime gained by the singles.
Now I emplore you, get yourself a copy of this album and enjoy it is as much as I am now I no longer have to review it.
-
8Sara E's Score