Search - Turin Brakes :: Ether Song

A laid-back summer album

Devin DiMattia | North Carolina, USA | 07/09/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I had never heard of Turin Brakes before the Astralwerks newsletter I receive in my e-mail began promoting their latest CD, "Ether Song". I decided to listen to their single, "Pain Killer (Summer Rain)" and I was ready to crown it as the best summer song of 2003. Now that I own the album, my opinion still stands, but "Ether Song" is packed with other great songs. Unfortunately, there's nothing on the album that's as immediately catchy as "Pain Killer", but that's rarely a bad thing. I prefer an album that grows on you than one that gets tiring after a few listens. "Blue Hour" is a nice build-up introduction to the album, while the short and sweet "Average Man" establishes Turin Brakes excellent songwriting abilites. "Long Distance" and "Self Help" are nice rockers while "Falling Down" bring in the electronics for a nice, ambient tune. There are some interestingly experimental songs on here, most notably the claustrophobic "Panic Attack". I really like the only real hard rocker on here, "Little Brother", for it's smooth percussion-less bridge before jumping right back into its addictive melody. The final song, "Rain City", is another gorgeously acoustic endeavor pocketed with synth bleeps in the background (to simulate raindrops, I suppose). Wait awhile for the hidden title track, "Ether Song". It's a very good song with a fascinating buildup, but I get real tired of people hiding songs two or three minutes after the last track. It doesn't make it worth fast-forwarding on your CD player every time you want to hear it.Anyway, I'd like to talk about the bonus disc. US record label Astralwerks likes to put bonus songs onto UK discs released here in the States to make picky consumers more likely to buy them. This time around, they've added a four-track bonus disc of demos and alternate studio sessions for "Blue Hour", "Self Help", "Long Distance" and a new song, "Bright Golden Lights". I would say they're not worth your time, but, hey, they're free, so they're pretty good. Also on the bonus disc is an enhanced CD-ROM with a video EPK (Electronic Press Kit) showing how they made the album, how it compares with their last CD, "The Optimist", and a pretty cool bit about how they shot the album cover. All the footage is interspersed with impressive concert footage."

Brilliant

10/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"By far, one of the most talented and original sounds to come along in quite some time. While the current age of music seems to be stuck in a valley, rather than traversing a peak, this disc reassures us that there may be hope yet, for the future of music. Although the Golden Age of music has, most certainly passed, maybe thre is still another due to emerge. For your own sake, give this one a chance! Most of you will know what I mean when I say that, chances are, this disc will not be a favorite certainly the first, second, and perhaps even the third time you hear it. It will, however, become one of those classic favorites that will never get too old for proper appreciation, much like Pearl Jam's "Ten" and Dave Matthews unforgettable first album. This is now threatening to turn into a full-scaled rant, so here, it must end."

Turin Brakes are here to stay

J. S. Kaczmarek | Cambridge, MA United States | 11/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Turin Brakes have done what few bands have been able to do (and those that did - Coldplay, U2, etc. clearly hold some influence over this London duo). They have produced a "Sophmore Rise", a second album which trumps their first by far. This album is catchy, compelling, edgy, and modern yet soulful. I really can't find enough good things to say about this album. Standout tracks to listen to include "Self Help", "Pain Killer (Summer Rain)", and "Falling Down" for you mellow types. The lyrical topics are fresh and the music is wholly original - you have to hear it to believe it. Also, I saw them live on tour w/ David Gray this summer and I can confirm that they really have this talent in person. I hope these guys garner a following in the US. They deserve a breakout."