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What a surprise!

Peter Summers | Melbourne, Australia | 07/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just when I thought that I'd bever find another enjoyable album of music (as opposed to a track here or there), I accidently stumbled (as it seems everyone has) upon Athlete via a CD from Q magazine grandiously titled "The Best of 2003". Let me say that the only song on this CD that was listenable was "Shake Those Windows" by Athlete.Why? Because they were prepared to leave spaces, happy not to have every instrument playing at the same time, allowed the song to breathe and build up in a bolero style, and included enough quirks to catch my ear.I then progressed to the album and the standard was brilliantly sustained. Good songs, well arrranged, but different. I think there is a nod to Coldplay but I prefer Athlete by far.Good on the Brits! After numerous US indie dirge/clunky/busy/amateurish bands being thrust at me recently, here's a magic album. Buy it."

A Great CD to wind down the summer to.

B. A Norton | Memphis, TN | 07/29/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I saw this CD at Tower records at a listening station and had to have it. It is a perfect CD to end this summer to. The songs are warm and sweet, light layers of light that just feel good. Here's some notable tracks. There are many that are good that I don't mention though.

-El Salvador is wonderful, makes you desire a roadtrip, the kind that just occurs with no planning or destination.

-Westside is an alright song, thought sometimes when I am in the mood to overanalyse, it just doesnt all fit together. Not the best track here.

-One Million is a good tune, somewhat seductive. The end is a little suprising to me.

-You've Got the Style is just so much fun. I loves it.



Overall, it's quite an enjoyable CD. I highly recommend it."

Really quite good.

Geoff Smith | Garden City, NY USA | 05/26/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I stumbled upon Athlete by accident. It was the best mistake I've made all year. They mix Blur, Colplay, XTC with some other element that never seems to have been tapped before, a large part of their sound is just... Athlete. The album is wonderfully hooky. It kicks off with the athemic sing along-y "El Salvador" about simply getting out. It's one of those that makes you want to get out and find a different pace. The album continues with "Westside" another fun number with an original hook and a triumphant finish. "Shake Those Windows" is a heartfelt tune in the Coldplay vein.
Athlete's British Rock (...it's not just rock) is simultaneously energetic and heart warming. Their harmonies are fresh, their songs are extremely agile and their choruses are huge.
It's not all 100% memorable right away but that's a good thing it grows on you. In short this is a brilliant debut from a band that is quickly finding its sea legs "there's no need for us to go back in time/because we've found our open eyes" Joel sings in the title track; and I predict that soon they will be a force to be reckoned with.
Some highlights are "El Salvador" "Shake Those Windows" and "Vehicles and Animals""