The Guillemots have garnered many plaudits for this album. No doubt their name has suddenly popped up in office and pub conversations having been surprisingly nominated for the 2006 Mercury Music Award. Having seemingly come from nowhere now the question is, “Are they actually any good?” The answer is not so straightforward.
Formed in November 2004 by eccentric front man Fyfe Dangerfield, the band comprise of MC Lord Magrão on guitar, Aristazabal Hawkes on double bass and Greig Stewart on percussion. The band hail from Scotland, Canada, Brazil and England respectively and each members’ musical heritage plays a significant part in defining The Guillemots sound, though never does any influence dominate too much. The mix works well and occasionally stunningly so on standout tracks such as “Trains To Brazil”, “We’re Here” and current single “Made-Up Lovesong #43”. These three songs are unashamedly uplifting and will have your head nodding and your heart beating in your ears.
However it’s not all good - there are hints of self-indulgence throughout and every once in a while Dangerfield’s voice sounds not just a little out of tune, but way off. Bizarrely enough this lends the album a kind of endearing quirkiness that gives it a sweet and innocent feel.
A special mention must go to the monstrously fantastic final track “Sao Paulo”. Full of baffling nonsensical lyrics this twelve minute emotional tornado perhaps sums up The Guillemots in one epic foul swoop. At times a heartbreakingly tender ballad where Dangerfield’s trembling voice seems barely able to go on, it catches you completely unawares by erupting into an orchestral nuclear bomb filled with spite and joy and venom and rapture!
As albums go “Through The Windowpane” is not perfect and you get the feeling that is exactly the way the band wants it to be. Slightly ragged, sometimes off tune but real, very real and bursting with energy, soul and vibrancy. Add to that soaring melodies, innovative arrangements and Dangerfield’s flawed, yet spookily expressive voice and you’ve got something very exciting. This band should be tingling spines for the next thirty years if there is any logic in the world at all.
It won’t win the Mercury Music Award but it has the warmth of the sun and for that reason alone it should.
Formed in November 2004 by eccentric front man Fyfe Dangerfield, the band comprise of MC Lord Magrão on guitar, Aristazabal Hawkes on double bass and Greig Stewart on percussion. The band hail from Scotland, Canada, Brazil and England respectively and each members’ musical heritage plays a significant part in defining The Guillemots sound, though never does any influence dominate too much. The mix works well and occasionally stunningly so on standout tracks such as “Trains To Brazil”, “We’re Here” and current single “Made-Up Lovesong #43”. These three songs are unashamedly uplifting and will have your head nodding and your heart beating in your ears.
However it’s not all good - there are hints of self-indulgence throughout and every once in a while Dangerfield’s voice sounds not just a little out of tune, but way off. Bizarrely enough this lends the album a kind of endearing quirkiness that gives it a sweet and innocent feel.
A special mention must go to the monstrously fantastic final track “Sao Paulo”. Full of baffling nonsensical lyrics this twelve minute emotional tornado perhaps sums up The Guillemots in one epic foul swoop. At times a heartbreakingly tender ballad where Dangerfield’s trembling voice seems barely able to go on, it catches you completely unawares by erupting into an orchestral nuclear bomb filled with spite and joy and venom and rapture!
As albums go “Through The Windowpane” is not perfect and you get the feeling that is exactly the way the band wants it to be. Slightly ragged, sometimes off tune but real, very real and bursting with energy, soul and vibrancy. Add to that soaring melodies, innovative arrangements and Dangerfield’s flawed, yet spookily expressive voice and you’ve got something very exciting. This band should be tingling spines for the next thirty years if there is any logic in the world at all.
It won’t win the Mercury Music Award but it has the warmth of the sun and for that reason alone it should.
2 comments:
great revoew , agree completely
You should try their second one, it might be even better!
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