MEANWHILE BACK IN COMMUNIST RUSSIA

On the whole, the band achieve a uniquely atmospheric sound which may be a bit twee for some tastes, but on the whole I consider to be one of the great overlooked gems of the post- rock scene.

While the music here does qualify as post-rock for the most part, the band has a unique shtick in the form of vocalist Emily Gray, who instead of singing spends her time reciting her poetry in a deadpan and dark spoken-word litany that comes off as a cross between the Cowboy Junkies’ Margo Timmins and Laurie Anderson. You won’t find too many post-rock bands doing that.

Unfortunately the novelty wears thin pretty quickly, and after the third or fourth song there really isn’t anything to hold one’s attention any longer. The band does have the ability to kick things up a notch musically when they feel like it, such as toward the middle of “No Cigar” and (in the form of digital drone) on “Now I am Lifting”. But the programmed drum tracks are dull and the sonic lows outnumber the high points by about four to one, so in the end the overall experience is tepid at best.

The band didn’t last long after this recording, and I can’t say I’m surprised. Ms. Gray has carried on in her quest to be the Emily Dickinson of post-rock with another band known as Ape Has Killed Ape! along with keyboardist Tim Croston, and the remaining members of the group all seem to have landed elsewhere in the music business as well. Best wishes to them in their new endeavors, but as far as this early work goes I can’t see rating it at more than two stars. Sorry.

peace

Thankfully the band was left with enough creativity to also create good music. At time, they are more post-rock, with compositions mostly seen in this genre and guitars creating a beautiful heavy and suffocating atmosphere while the programmed drums are more close to post-punk. Especially the drums remind you a lot of Joy Division. They are mostly "ok" but at times they can get really annoying. The music alone isn't anything so special though I can't say it's bad. The compositions are pretty simple but very well performed by keyboards and guitars. However, what makes this album magical is the voice of Emily Gray. She doesn't really sing. She reminds me of vocalist Mark E. Smith from the British band "The fall". Both of them have this eccentric style of "saying" the lyrics. It's like a monologue. Emily Gray is what makes this album so unique. A depressing but at the same time ambitious voice, full of emotion, that will captivate you from the disturbing opening track.

Overall, a pretty good album that is worth checking out mainly because of the vocals. Would give it four stars, because I really enjoy it, but is far from essential.