On the verge of yet-another
much anticipated North American tour, The Raveonettes release their sixth
studio album, Observator.
Recorded in
California with long-time producer and mentor Richard Gottehrer, the album is
available worldwide this month.
Nine tracks in all, the record proves once
again how this band continues to evolve creatively. Universal themes of the brokenhearted share space with tales of determined human spirit.
"Young and
Cold" finds the Wagner and Foo harmonies
stronger than ever, and most prominently featured here. Sune's buzzing,
electric guitar fleshes out the acoustic strums of a western motif, while
Sharin sings out more forcefully than the in-tandem-with-Sune style of earlier
recordings. Previous unheard elements like stark piano melodies briefly emerge
and are then reprised on an unanticipated ambient coda.
"Observations" takes
the piano foundation even further, with its back-of-the-concert-hall ambient
block chord progression. The vocals are clearly in Sune’s court here, giving
the track a more personal, almost solo feel. That unmistakable Wagner
guitar is most assuredly present, however, delivering multiple melody lines
from this prolific composer. “To live like common people, I never think I’ll
do” is the expressed sentiment. “This woman says I’m torn between two lives” is
yet another.
“Curse The Night”
emerges via a shuffling, easy going (yet artificial, electronic) percussion
track – the kind Mr.
Wagner
“The Enemy”
thankfully, is more fully realized, with a brilliant lead vocal performance
from Sharin. “You are always there to remind me, I’m the enemy” underscores Wagner ’s keen ability to combine heart-tugging lyrics with
even more heart-melting melodies. A song that anyone who has ever felt wronged
or misunderstood can rally around.
“Sinking With The
Sun” explodes right out of the box with full band instrumentation and a driving
melodic guitar hook. Tandem vocals are again the featured play. Ambient
interludes merely underscores Wagner ’s seemingly
endless ability to create one great melody on top of another – only to have
that burst into the actual title hook. Cascading vocals combined with brightly
descending guitar figures completes this masterfully executed pop song.
First single “She Owns The Streets” has
already generated significant excitement both due to the appealing subject
matter and truly inspired sound design. Telling the story of a gifted but
misunderstood NYC street Wagner informs all that “I want to be the
one that keeps it alive.” The beautiful sonic hook of “she’s dancing in the
street” takes your senses somewhere between the clouds and heaven itself.
Sharin Foo’s vocals are positioned with such masterful precision, that it’s
hard to imagine anything more perfect.
"Downtown" is bouncy pop extolling
the excitement of pleasure seeking, and how "all the boys are going,
down-town." Once again, Sharin Foo's voice is impeccably placed on the
high harmony, emphasizing the word "downnnnntown."
"You Hit Me (I'm Down)" includes all of
the musical elements featured in the seven songs that have come before. That
being stark, ambient keyboard chimes, acoustic guitar chord progression,
blended harmony vocals, powerful buzzing electric guitar and distant single
note melody lines. Add to that a huge, instantly singable chorus, twangy guitar
solo and enough ambience and atmospherics to last for days.
The appropriately
titled album closer "Till The End" presents the delicate balance of
simply living in the present. A central lyrical theme expresses the desire for
one to "calm down - be still - we'll walk up the ocean until the
end." Furthermore, when Mr.
Wagner
The Raveonettes
begin their tour in Portland , Or on September
21st and play New York Webster Hall
Full tour dates can
be found at:
15 comments:
wonderful descriptions on this latest release from a band i've come to know and love. I don't doubt this album is going to be a mainstay in my collection for quite a long time!
The quality of songwriting and sound recording is as good as it gets. I can't imagine any better.
You are right, Misty - this is an album you will play continuously for years.
some great live stuff from last year can be heard here,
http://youtu.be/Mgz2PbzhAco
nice one.
sweet review, mate.
this band is one of those that i kind of dig, but with every new release i like it more. :)
"she owns the streets" fell in to my head quiet nicely - it was a while ago, but it's one of those that sticks for a longer stretch. :)
feel the free everybody. :)
cool ! loving the review
and the 3 photo I was looking on it from far and I got impression that I was looking on Moloko ))
This is, indeed - a band that grows on you with each new release. Every track on this one has that 'sticks in your head' quality.
Most impressive, to say the least.
Great review Dave! I love She Owns the Streets and looking forward to hear more of them. I saw they're coming to the Netherlands in december so I may try to see them there if I have the time/money to do so. :)
loved she owns the streets when they played it live in sydney- looking forward to hearing the rest of the album soon!! gotta love em
Anouk - definitely go see them!
I know you saw them down in Oz recently, William. Hope you get a chance to make the London show now too.
Very nice review and pics Dave, "She owns the streets" sweet song, i like it, can't stop to move my head from side to side, glued in that melody *_*
That melody captures you and just won't let you go, Paty!
Nice. Beyond the shudder inducing electronic rhythms and the sometimes superfluous sonic textures....the songs glow like little diamonds.
They shine on like crazy diamonds, GM!
Dave I agree more. I really couldn't imagine better output. I wasn't so sure how the inclusion of piano would work out but there is no disappointment here - it fits right in with their sound. The Raveonettes have been providing listeners with compelling music for 10 years now & Observator is no exception. I can't wait to hear it on vinyl. Fans would probably want to know there is an extra song available only thru I-Tunes.
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