Chilled-out melody (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Chilled-out melody

8:49am Monday 8th February 2010 in Reviews By Telegraph & Argus

Asobi Seksu – Acoustic At Olympic Studios (Indian) *** I had never heard of Asobi Seksu, or even knew they had recorded three albums’ worth of material, but they have, and here it is. Going purely on what I listened to on this album, you can tell the band are well-versed in crafting very melodic and chilled-out sounding music. It reminded me of some work by the Japanese artist Utada, dreamlike and ethereal in places. This album is certainly one that will make you stare at a wall for an hour-or-so as you lose yourself. If these mellowed-out versions are anything to go by, it’s probably well worth checking out their other stuff.

David Ayres, 32, engineer, Idle

The Albion Band – The Albion Dance Band; Natural & Wild/Rockin’ Barn Dance (Talking Elephant) *** Two separate releases from the ever-changing Albion Band, both made up of material from 1987 and 1988. Natural & Wild features songs recorded live at their first-ever eco wildlife-friendly concert, introduced by the BBC’s Chris Baines who presented the TV series The Wild Side Of Town, for which much of this music was used. It is a very grown-up record for very grown-up people who want to know about the plight of some of the UK’s wildlife accompanied by finger-in-your-ear music. Rockin’ Barn Dance is far more lively, where jigs and reels abound. This was also a live recording so it comes with all the dance calls you need to perform them yourself in the comfort of your own sitting room, assuming you know how to do a right-hand star or a do-si-do!

Nigel Goodman, 52, teacher, Heaton 30H!3 – Want (Photo Finish) * If you like tracks where you are barked at, then this album will be a hit for you. If, however, you require your music to possess even a modicum of talent, then steer well clear of 30H!3. To me, its chant-along bilge that even a ten-year-old would grow bored of. Their naughty little profanities and risque subject matter is dumbed down to an even lower level by the fact that it seems like their Pro Tools has only one drum loop on it. Then, add on top a lonely Casio keyboard. I could go on, but it’s not worth wasting my time. This is not music, its not even structured noise.

David Ayres, 32, engineer, Idle