Two distinct memories of their live show. 1: endless hammer-riff “Fol De Rol”. 2: stark, eerily arranged “Nine Out Of Ten”. Between these bookends, either side of crumbling centrepiece “Couples…” are (as ever) rockabilly sendup character studies; modernist scribble that makes Eliot sound tame.
Two distinct memories of their live show. 1: endless hammer-riff “Fol De Rol”. 2: stark, eerily arranged “Nine Out Of Ten”. Between these bookends, either side of crumbling centrepiece “Couples…” are (as ever) rockabilly sendup character studies; modernist scribble that makes Eliot sound tame.
Approaching the era where I started to properly follow them. A few classic-sounding songs (“Black Roof”, “First One Today”), i.e. a (very) cool riff gives way to atonal chaotic breakdown. Most songs take a looser form, thriving in jamlike grooves (“Dedication…” or the relentless “Auto Chip”).
Approaching the era where I started to properly follow them. A few classic-sounding songs (“Black Roof”, “First One Today”), i.e. a (very) cool riff gives way to atonal chaotic breakdown. Most songs take a looser form, thriving in jamlike grooves (“Dedication…” or the relentless “Auto Chip”).
Just like Room to Live, I assumed this was outtakes from the previous album but apparently not: this features their first double drummer lineup since 97. Didn’t find much to write about here - the first half displays more of Re-Mit’s whimsy, and MES toys some more with his new Vysotsky-growl.
Just like Room to Live, I assumed this was outtakes from the previous album but apparently not: this features their first double drummer lineup since 97. Didn’t find much to write about here - the first half displays more of Re-Mit’s whimsy, and MES toys some more with his new Vysotsky-growl.
Full of pep, vim, mojo, especially after the uninspired last effort. Everyone seems to be on the same page musically, and having fun. Eleni really shines, this being their most synth heavy album in over a decade. Some of Mark’s performances on here are downright wacky (which is saying a LOT).
Full of pep, vim, mojo, especially after the uninspired last effort. Everyone seems to be on the same page musically, and having fun. Eleni really shines, this being their most synth heavy album in over a decade. Some of Mark’s performances on here are downright wacky (which is saying a LOT).
First half, didn’t understand the hate. Riffs: pretty good, vocals: intense as per… Second half shrugs into a predictable slog, the type I hoped they’d left in the 90s. Tempted to be really cool and say “pale imitation” BUT there’s still no mistaking that voice (and bloody hell he’s GROWLING).
First half, didn’t understand the hate. Riffs: pretty good, vocals: intense as per… Second half shrugs into a predictable slog, the type I hoped they’d left in the 90s. Tempted to be really cool and say “pale imitation” BUT there’s still no mistaking that voice (and bloody hell he’s GROWLING).
Meat and potatoes Fall, if such a thing is possible (good). Over the trademark excellent riffs MES seems to get even more abstract - themes dwell on his recent hospital stay for broken hip, piss (probably) and British expats in Mexico(?). Highlight is the excellent closer “Weather Report 2”.
Meat and potatoes Fall, if such a thing is possible (good). Over the trademark excellent riffs MES seems to get even more abstract - themes dwell on his recent hospital stay for broken hip, piss (probably) and British expats in Mexico(?). Highlight is the excellent closer “Weather Report 2”.
Starting their most stable era with a confounding listen: var-fi recording, the odd chaotic song structure… “50 Year Old Man” might be their funniest song.
[banjo interlude]
Shout out to Eleni Poulou’s synthwork (“Taurig”, “Exploding Chimney”). Check out that Basement session.
Starting their most stable era with a confounding listen: var-fi recording, the odd chaotic song structure… “50 Year Old Man” might be their funniest song.
[banjo interlude]
Shout out to Eleni Poulou’s synthwork (“Taurig”, “Exploding Chimney”). Check out that Basement session.
A diss album to the bandmates who abandoned them mid-tour (look… who can judge) but also a honeymoon album with the lineup they rustled up instead. Lots of extended jams, feeling each other out, and audibly having fun! A tribute to the power of friendship (this lineup would not last a year).
A diss album to the bandmates who abandoned them mid-tour (look… who can judge) but also a honeymoon album with the lineup they rustled up instead. Lots of extended jams, feeling each other out, and audibly having fun! A tribute to the power of friendship (this lineup would not last a year).
Another great-sounding record, held together by late-era classic “Blindness” - MES almost whimpering while the band lets loose around him. Either side we find many garage rock bangers with fantastic lyrics, the Hunter S Thompson elegy “Midnight In Aspen”, and the strange bookend tracks.
Another great-sounding record, held together by late-era classic “Blindness” - MES almost whimpering while the band lets loose around him. Either side we find many garage rock bangers with fantastic lyrics, the Hunter S Thompson elegy “Midnight In Aspen”, and the strange bookend tracks.
After the aggravating antics of the anterior album, the NEW new lineup (hence the title) choose hits over hijinks. Every track gave me a groove to sink into, lyrics to laugh at. “Sparta FC” has to be the best football song ever. “Mike’s Love Xexagon” is the weirdest review of Pet Sounds ever.
After the aggravating antics of the anterior album, the NEW new lineup (hence the title) choose hits over hijinks. Every track gave me a groove to sink into, lyrics to laugh at. “Sparta FC” has to be the best football song ever. “Mike’s Love Xexagon” is the weirdest review of Pet Sounds ever.
There are three cuts that stood out to me: the excellent samplepunk dirge “Crop-Dust”, about the attacks of 7 weeks prior(!); and the two nutty epics, “Ibis-Afro Man” and “Reprise”. It’s rare that I hear a track deliberately try and fuck with me, which the latter did. The rest is fine.
There are three cuts that stood out to me: the excellent samplepunk dirge “Crop-Dust”, about the attacks of 7 weeks prior(!); and the two nutty epics, “Ibis-Afro Man” and “Reprise”. It’s rare that I hear a track deliberately try and fuck with me, which the latter did. The rest is fine.
A triumph, filled with bangers and truly strange shit alike. Wonder whether they shoulda just let Grant Showbiz produce ALL their records. “Cyber Insekt” and “Dr Buck’s Letter” instaclassics. “Sons of Temperance”, “Serum” and “Devolute” are brilliant. “Midwatch 1953” is a true carpetpuller.
A triumph, filled with bangers and truly strange shit alike. Wonder whether they shoulda just let Grant Showbiz produce ALL their records. “Cyber Insekt” and “Dr Buck’s Letter” instaclassics. “Sons of Temperance”, “Serum” and “Devolute” are brilliant. “Midwatch 1953” is a true carpetpuller.
A “concept album” hodge-podged after MES’s abusive behaviour finally drove away most of the band. Mostly distorted/muddy, like Joni’s “Jungle Line”. Flits between the shuffle of old Fall and the straight feel of newer Fall. “Birthday Song” is a lovely example of what I like about Nagle’s work.
A “concept album” hodge-podged after MES’s abusive behaviour finally drove away most of the band. Mostly distorted/muddy, like Joni’s “Jungle Line”. Flits between the shuffle of old Fall and the straight feel of newer Fall. “Birthday Song” is a lovely example of what I like about Nagle’s work.
Pleasantly surprised at how good this was. Biggest aesthetic shift in their history, bringing Julia Nagle’s electronica and dance beats to the centre of the sound. I’d really missed feeling bemused - this one hammered in just how predictable I’d been finding the 90s stuff till now.
Pleasantly surprised at how good this was. Biggest aesthetic shift in their history, bringing Julia Nagle’s electronica and dance beats to the centre of the sound. I’d really missed feeling bemused - this one hammered in just how predictable I’d been finding the 90s stuff till now.
The first few songs had me scared this was gonna be a slog but hearing the raucous “Powder Keg” and “Oleano” back to back seemed to rejuvenate my ears. Also really liked the last two tracks “Oxymoron” and “Secession Man”. Nice to hear Brix and MES trading lines again, like on “Spinetrak”.
The first few songs had me scared this was gonna be a slog but hearing the raucous “Powder Keg” and “Oleano” back to back seemed to rejuvenate my ears. Also really liked the last two tracks “Oxymoron” and “Secession Man”. Nice to hear Brix and MES trading lines again, like on “Spinetrak”.
Brix is back, her vocal contributions shaking the formula a bit. It’s recorded worse than the last one (in a bad way). Less electronica, too - Bush in the band, but hardly on the record (his last, as well as long-timer Craig Scanlon).“Bonkers in Phoenix” is their most bizarre song so far.
Brix is back, her vocal contributions shaking the formula a bit. It’s recorded worse than the last one (in a bad way). Less electronica, too - Bush in the band, but hardly on the record (his last, as well as long-timer Craig Scanlon).“Bonkers in Phoenix” is their most bizarre song so far.
The recording a bit more lo-fi than the last one. With it comes a poppier, less electronic sound for their originals and downright unhinged performances of the covers. The accessible stuff sounds kinda cool but at this stage in the month I’m looking more for something to GRAB me you know?
The recording a bit more lo-fi than the last one. With it comes a poppier, less electronic sound for their originals and downright unhinged performances of the covers. The accessible stuff sounds kinda cool but at this stage in the month I’m looking more for something to GRAB me you know?
Bush’s bleepy bloops are gelling together with the rest of the band - enhancing their classic sound rather than sticking out. Favourites are “It’s a Curse” and “League of Bald Headed Men” (paean to their fanbase?). The Sister Sledge cover is *ahem* HYPNAGOGIC. Peculiar fixation on Spangles.
Bush’s bleepy bloops are gelling together with the rest of the band - enhancing their classic sound rather than sticking out. Favourites are “It’s a Curse” and “League of Bald Headed Men” (paean to their fanbase?). The Sister Sledge cover is *ahem* HYPNAGOGIC. Peculiar fixation on Spangles.
Better than the last, notable for new member Dave Bush’s drum machine work. Album works best when the band tries to mesh with the machines, like Craig Scanlon’s great guitar work on the opener or So-Called Dangerous. Seems like a record I’ll go back to and think “hey, this kind of slaps”
Better than the last, notable for new member Dave Bush’s drum machine work. Album works best when the band tries to mesh with the machines, like Craig Scanlon’s great guitar work on the opener or So-Called Dangerous. Seems like a record I’ll go back to and think “hey, this kind of slaps”
The first one where I’m starting to flag a bit. Not a lot of surprises or sonic oddities like I’m used to. I’m not totally familiar with the Manchester late 80s/early 90s guitar pop scene but if I had to, I’d guess much of this album’s sound follows that template. The Mixer is great though.
The first one where I’m starting to flag a bit. Not a lot of surprises or sonic oddities like I’m used to. I’m not totally familiar with the Manchester late 80s/early 90s guitar pop scene but if I had to, I’d guess much of this album’s sound follows that template. The Mixer is great though.
A breakup album? If so (probably is), lyrics range from something resembling sweet to really quite horrible. Elsewhere I’m introduced to The Monks & The Searchers, treated to the excellent Telephone Thing and haunted by Chicago Now. Never been entirely into Bill Is Dead, but it’s very pretty.
A breakup album? If so (probably is), lyrics range from something resembling sweet to really quite horrible. Elsewhere I’m introduced to The Monks & The Searchers, treated to the excellent Telephone Thing and haunted by Chicago Now. Never been entirely into Bill Is Dead, but it’s very pretty.
Apart from Brix’s folk rock overture, you wouldn’t know this was ballet music about William of Orange and the 1688 Glorious Revolution. Read the lyrics, and the title becomes clearer - MES is King, The Fall his revolution, and heavy is the head, or something. What is The Fall if not a ballet?
Apart from Brix’s folk rock overture, you wouldn’t know this was ballet music about William of Orange and the 1688 Glorious Revolution. Read the lyrics, and the title becomes clearer - MES is King, The Fall his revolution, and heavy is the head, or something. What is The Fall if not a ballet?
Fully embracing hifi sound, they also flirt with some soft rock sophistipop sounds on side A. Loving the lyrics here, particularly Athlete Cured (even if I don’t care for its music) and U2 diss track In These Times. Compositionally doubling down on some great riffs like my fav “Bremen Nacht”.
Fully embracing hifi sound, they also flirt with some soft rock sophistipop sounds on side A. Loving the lyrics here, particularly Athlete Cured (even if I don’t care for its music) and U2 diss track In These Times. Compositionally doubling down on some great riffs like my fav “Bremen Nacht”.