Pleasantly Suprised
C. McQuate | Niagara Falls, NY USA | 10/30/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"For those whom are expecting this album to sound like the previous, Tourist, the first track on Beyond the Neighbouhood is a good indicator that Athlete's sound has somewhat eveolved. It is more electronic than their last album, yet it doesn't alienate those familiar with the Tourist album. Joel Pott (lead vocals) is far more subtle with his English accent and constant glisses on every note than on previous albums. Beyond the Neighbourhood is a good album to pick up if you need some new music to listen to, as I found out for myself."
What Happened?
Timothy J. Rogers | New Jersey USA | 07/04/2008
(1 out of 5 stars)
"I must have told a thousand people how wonderful Athlete's first album was. It was quirky, unique, melodic, I could not have been more effusive than I was, when talking about it. I gritted my teth when "Tourist" came out, and tried ever so hard to like it, but the depth of "Vehicles and Animals" was definitely not present on this second cd. Then "Beyond the Neighbourhood" was issued. What a huge disappointment. Athlete had held so much promise, and now, they seem as if they are just another band putting out sappy radio songs. I do not mean to denigrate those who gave this recording a positive review, but please listen to "Vehicles and Animals." It is truly one of the greatest pieces of popular British music to be released in twenty years. "It's the simple things like the robots Stevie G. draws....""
Great overall album
Rob Neff | San Jose, CA USA | 05/12/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is an album that takes 5 or 6 listens to really enjoy, and it's more of Athlete which is melancholy mood music that I really enjoy. The lyrics are good in that they are interestingly so generic that they can apply to many situations. Some people were hooked by WIres in Tourist or various tracks in Vehicles and Animals, but to me Athlete makes albums full of high quality songs and not singles. I like that while Athlete maintains their "sound" throughout all their albums (dominated by the lead singer), each song is very unique in rhythm and style."