We Were Promised Jetpacks - Unravelling (FatCat Records)
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| We Were Promised Jetpacks - Unravelling |
OK, OK, holding my hands up here.
This one has been out for nearly a month already but I've been enjoying it way too
much to actually stop and dissect it. And the Scottish indie-rockers have still
got quite a few dates left on both sides of the pond so this is still relevant,
right? Right. 'Safety In Numbers' gets things going with a gentle, rippling,
Grandaddy-meets-Midlake keyboard riff before the pounding drums kick in to
drive things along. 'Peaks And Troughs' is up next with a more urgent, itchy
feeling that would fit in with the likes of Weezer or Interpol while 'I Keep It
Composed' swaggers and rolls around like fine suit wearing lothario tipping
strippers and winking at bar maids on his way to the 'back room'. This is all
part of the charm and seductive appeal of We Were Promised Jetpacks which draws
you in to their world before stealing your wallet on your way out.
'Peace Sign' is a syncopated,
moody tune that exists on grey afternoons looking out at bleak landscapes while
'Night Terror' opens with a bass'n'drum groove followed by some gloriously 80s
sounding guitars before exploding in to a Killers-with-more-attitude
indie-pop-rock romp. On 'Disconnecting' there is a sense of dark, brooding
malevolence of cinematic proportions that Tarantino would love to get his hands
on for his next tale or murder and deceit. The organs and pop sensibilities of
'Bright Minds' shows the lighter side of the band with a slick bass line while
'A Part Of It' is prime British indie-rock with elements of Ash, Biffy Clyro
and Reuben in their calmer, more melodic moments. As we approach the climax of
the album, 'Moral Compass' turns up to continue with the dark mood as the
guitars and bass battle with the crashing drums to create a seductively
sinister atmosphere. The final pair of tracks, 'Peace Of Mind' and 'Ricochet',
cement the bands quality and ability to create dark moods which should be used
to soundtrack a stylish American drama like Gotham or Homeland. I genuinely
think this is one of the stand out British albums of the year which, in
November, is no mean feat. Like I said, I'm a little late to the party but then
again, who wants to be the first ones at the party? Not I.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/wewerepromisedjetpacks?fref=ts
Live Dates:
2nd November - Wonder Ballroom, Portland
4th November - Bimbo's
365 Club, San Francisco
5th November - Slo Brew, San Luis Obispo
7th November - The Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles
8th November - Irenic, San Diego
9th November - The Crescent Ballroom, Phoenix
11th November - The Mohawk, Austin
12th November - Trees, Dallas
13th November - Fitzgerald's, Houston
14th November - One Eyed Jacks, New Orleans
15th November - WorkPlay Theatre, Birmingham
16th November - Terminal West, Atlanta
18th November - Cat's Cradle, Carrboro
19th November - 930 Club, Washington
20th November - Paradise, Boston
21st November - Union Transfer, Philadelphia
22nd November - Webster Hall, New York
12th December - The Cluny, Newcastle
13th December - EMU, Glasgow