 There has to be something special and certainly intriguing about a band that before really releasing anything locked themselves away in the studio for 18 months to perfect a debut album that doesn't really have any hype as the band haven't been heard of for that lengthy time. Look at the calibre of collaborators and you start to get the impression that Motion Picture Soundtrack really have to be worth some kind of hype for example here are the numerous knob twiddlers: Hugh Jones (Echo & the Bunnymen), Dan Austin (Doves, Massive Attack), Paul Schroeder (The Stone Roses, The Verve), Cenzo Townshend (Editors, Bloc Party), and Bob Ludwig (RATM, Tool) - quite an impressive cast but, why so many and does that show a sign of weakness that it takes this range of producers to bring out the shine of the band?
Well firstly 'Departure EP' is sonically very impressive, with sweeping theatrics and for me a striking similarity to Mansun's underrated 'Six' album with it's dark undertones set against a backdrop of crashing and uplifting, euphoria and despair and genteel sweeps and harsh edges. But given the talent on hand I was expecting a little more. Maybe something of an overblown symphony that just endlessly warped your mind and spilt your guts, instead; and certainly this is not a consolation prize, as we do get a very impressive EP that doesn't outstay it's welcome and courteously wipes it's feet before entering and leaving our senses.
Opener and title track 'Departure' bares resemblance in it's ethereal background to those 80's shoegaze artists but the vocals are much more prominent and of better quality, which is complimented by the melody that diverts several times with thrashing guitars that screech almost as if they are talking. A piano interlude that's deftly orchestrated, and a rhythm section that know when to back off and when to hit overdrive provide the backbone all with equal parts darkness and light.
Follower 'Faults of a Realist' really hits home the Mansun comparison that I eluded to. This time as much in the vocals as in the music which again continues with those highly pitched guitars that are touched with Edge esque reverb that just drives throughout the track which is again set against the rhythm that is intended to highlight Motion Picture Sountracks's soundscape.
Ending on 'Mirrors' which most resembles the band's name with it's plaintiff piano. It sets a rather melancholic tone that is equally matched by the vocals which burn with emotion. Again this is a showcase of the bands range of sound and a fitting testament to the blokes in the comfy chairs behind the desk as it sweeps and soars, building into crescendos, dropping and then building itself back to start all over again with layer upon layer of instrumentation. It's like some kind of 'November Rain' for depressed teenagers.
'Departure EP' is a fine release and shows undoubted star quality that deserves recognition. I just hope Motion Picture Soundtrack won't be burdened by the wealth of talent used to propel them this far.
1. Departure
2. Faults of a Realist
3. Mirrors
Motion Picture Soundtrack: Official Site
Motion Picture Soundtrack on MySpace Music
Last edited by altsounds : September 11, 2009 at 09:18 PM.
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| | | | Overall Rating | | 8 | | Vocals / Lyrics | | 8 | | Musicianship | | 9 | | Production | | 9 | | Creativity | | 7 | | Lastability | | 7 | | Reviewers Tilt | | 8 |
80% | |
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Tropic Thunder Motion Picture Soundtrack
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Motion Picture Soundtrack - Departure [EP]
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