 |
Blonde Redhead is a band on a journey, a journey that is gaining increased attention from fans and critics alike. Their seventh album, 23, looks set to build on their already impressive reputation.
Take a look back though and you’ll see that this record is a far cry from their early years, when they were considered Sonic Youth clones. Now these darlings of the New York ‘underground’ scene are firmly courting the mainstream with an album that is so polished you can see your reflection in it.
The band is an intriguing mix - based in the US, members include the Japanese lead vocalist, Kazu Makino, and a set of Italian twins (one of which is married to Makino). What they have delivered with 23 is a fitting tribute to this strange international fusion.
This is lush, atmospheric pop - complete with Makino’s eerie vocals and an ‘art-rock’ underbelly that bristles away underneath the music’s surface … just listen closely to ‘Spring and By Summer Fall’ and you’ll understand.
In terms of tracks, the quintessential number (no pun intended) on the record is undoubtedly the title track ‘23’. It carries the burden of being the album opener with ease, encapsulating all the best elements of the other songs in one five minute burst: swirling guitars, hypnotic percussion and a vocal melody that is layered seamlessly over the top of it all.
This provides the remaining nine tracks with a tough act to follow and by default could make all subsequent efforts seem a tad derivative – however it is a testament to the strength of the other songs (particularly ‘SW’, ‘Silently’ and ‘Publisher’) that this just doesn’t happen.
Instead we are left with an album of, at times dreamy, at times haunting, electronic pop – that never fades to background music, and most importantly, grows on you with every listen.
Essential Tracks
23
Silently
Publisher
Full Track Listing
1. 23 (5:18)
2. Dr. Strangeluv (4:47)
3. The Dress (4:00)
4. SW (4:35)
5. Spring and by Summer Fall (4:15)
6. Silently (3:57)
7. Publisher (4:01)
8. Heroine (4:11)
9. Top Ranking (3:27)
10. My Impure Hair (4:52)
|
|
