The Cooper Temple Clause
Its amazing what tremendous improvement a band can make between the time from its debut to its sophomore album. I'm talking about English band The Cooper Temple Clause. AMG rates both albums 4 out of 5 stars. In my opinion, the debut album is a little hodge-podge and you can feel that the band is still in its formative stages. Sonic experimentation is present but they are never as streamlined as their follow-up. On the whole, the debut album still sounds a little unlike a run-of-the-mill post-oasis brit pop band apart from the main difference being that they are more daring and experimental in their approach to their songs. The subtle flourishes here and there are indicative of the potential that the band posesses to be great.
The second album titled "kick up the fire, and let the flames break loose" (2003 Morning Records) is a real indie shoegazy rock gem. This is a classic example of the benefits of specialization. Lead vocalist Ben Gauntrey puts down his guitar and focuses purely on vocals. Didz Hammond who previously dabbled in samples and synths plays only the bass now. The end result is an extremely focused effort where the samples and sound effects melds perfectly with the exquisite melodies. Even though Gauntrey did not personally pen the lyrics, he sings with conviction and subverts and improvises with vulnerable undertones. By internalizing the melodies and lyrics, he reproduces an entirely personal affair. Similarly, Hammond's basslines have almost become the indispensable backbone of every song as he develops a penchant for hooks.
I am not saying the path for every band's growth is to be increasingly specialized in each member's field of work, there are many other external factors involved and it just so happens to work in this case. We can also see how the band had evolved and gelled in the way they work together with music brainchild Tom Bellamy taking over some lyric duties from guitarist and lyricist Daniel Fisher thereby adding another dimension to perspectives.
Debut album "See this through and leave" (2002 Morning Records)sees the coming together of 6 talented individuals to make music together. A unique identity had yet been stamped but barely a year later, the voice of The Cooper Temple Clause is loud and clear. I anxiously await what comes next though i am afraid to keep my hopes too high as and i don't see it an easy task to accomplish a greater feat. However, I won't be surprised that it comes right up next to My Bloody Valentine's "Loveless" in the annals of rock history as the greatest album you've never heard.
Anyway, my dear reader, unless you happen to be a fan of indie music, i don't see my testimonial being any more useful to your humble lives than a broken guitar string. In fact, even if you were given the very CD, chances are u are unlikely to be able to appreciate it. But nevertheless this is all done in good faith of promoting good music. Maybe they aren't really as great as i have put it, but hell, at this point in time i'm a fucking fan. What can i say.
The second album titled "kick up the fire, and let the flames break loose" (2003 Morning Records) is a real indie shoegazy rock gem. This is a classic example of the benefits of specialization. Lead vocalist Ben Gauntrey puts down his guitar and focuses purely on vocals. Didz Hammond who previously dabbled in samples and synths plays only the bass now. The end result is an extremely focused effort where the samples and sound effects melds perfectly with the exquisite melodies. Even though Gauntrey did not personally pen the lyrics, he sings with conviction and subverts and improvises with vulnerable undertones. By internalizing the melodies and lyrics, he reproduces an entirely personal affair. Similarly, Hammond's basslines have almost become the indispensable backbone of every song as he develops a penchant for hooks.
I am not saying the path for every band's growth is to be increasingly specialized in each member's field of work, there are many other external factors involved and it just so happens to work in this case. We can also see how the band had evolved and gelled in the way they work together with music brainchild Tom Bellamy taking over some lyric duties from guitarist and lyricist Daniel Fisher thereby adding another dimension to perspectives.
Debut album "See this through and leave" (2002 Morning Records)sees the coming together of 6 talented individuals to make music together. A unique identity had yet been stamped but barely a year later, the voice of The Cooper Temple Clause is loud and clear. I anxiously await what comes next though i am afraid to keep my hopes too high as and i don't see it an easy task to accomplish a greater feat. However, I won't be surprised that it comes right up next to My Bloody Valentine's "Loveless" in the annals of rock history as the greatest album you've never heard.
Anyway, my dear reader, unless you happen to be a fan of indie music, i don't see my testimonial being any more useful to your humble lives than a broken guitar string. In fact, even if you were given the very CD, chances are u are unlikely to be able to appreciate it. But nevertheless this is all done in good faith of promoting good music. Maybe they aren't really as great as i have put it, but hell, at this point in time i'm a fucking fan. What can i say.
posted by vacance at 01:17
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