The race for #1 was a close one, between glitchy and difficult electronica and all-star post punk, and my love lately for modern post punk won out.
Minor Victories are a bit of an all star band, featuring Rachel Goswell, of recently-reunited shoe-gaze legends Slowdive, and quirky folk rockers Mojave 3, Stuart Braithwaite of menancing Scottish drone-rock band Mogwai, and Justin Lockey of Brit-alt-rockers The Editors. Given that I already love Slowdive and Mogwai, it seemed natural I'd love this band.
As a band, they are equal parts of the bands they came from. Goswell brings the slow-paced disaffection and dreamy vocals of Slowdive. Braithwaite brings the drums of Mogwai, along with the slowly rising wall-of-noise assault that Mogwai is known for. Lockey brings more of a melodic, indy pop feel to the band. The result is a cascading melange of sound, at times dark and brooding, and at times soaring and orchestral.
The range of the album is remarkable. You'll find yourself bouncing from emotion to emotion as the songs change through the album, and often as the songs progress.
Sadly, this band likely won't be long for this world. This was their debut and with Slowdive reuniting and already having released an album this year, Goswell will likely be focusing on her first band. Nevertheless, this is an amazing album, and a must for lovers of drone, post punk and shoegaze.
No comments:
Post a Comment