FILE UNDER: Sleepy-time music.
CORPORATE LINE: The Parisian band’s American debut is one that offers a unique stance and original voice on folk, alternative, and electronic music. They’re a hybrid of Simon & Garfunkel harmonies, Grandaddy’s ethereal atmospherics, and as clearly indicated in their name, Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd. “Bridging the gap between Radiohead, Nick Drake, and Robert Wyatt” – Harp Magazine. “This gorgeous album of soft, finger-picked folk guitar over expansive electronic production brings to mind Iron & Wine as produced by Air. The cascading high arpeggios of ‘Someday Sometimes’ recall some of The Eels’ most elegiac work and the entire affair is very rewarding” – The Big Takeover.
THE REVIEW: It’s easier to just do a review overall than the good, bad, etc because for a while it didn’t seem as though the songs were different. In fact, you can zone out for a minute and look up and realize you went from track one to track five without hearing some major change in tone, sound, melody, etc. Everything flows like a stream into the same pond.
The songs are what John Denver would make if he was into Pink Floyd and Radiohead. “Obstacle” proves that point better than most as they sing about waterfalls and such. There is no song that sticks out more than others. It’s not easy to decide if that is a plus or minus.
FRANKLY: Syd Matters might be the best band in the world to fall asleep to. That said its lovely music that is locked into the slowest gear. If you work at a place where tranquil music is the order of the day than Syd Matters is more than equipped.
+ Charlie Craine
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.