Blonde Redhead - 23 (4AD)
4/5
By: Chris O'Toole
Formed in 1993 and named after a track by New York No-Wave band DNA, Blonde Redhead have charted a path of mystical evolution over the course of their seven studio albums. Originally dismissed as a poor imitation of their idols Sonic Youth, the band have since developed into a striking and unique presence on the international music scene. There has long been a delicate precision to their work, each track precious in its own right; fragile but never brittle, elusive but captivating and always fading from view like the last vestiges of a setting but glorious sun. The sound of Blonde Redhead is the sound of fleeting ecstasy and limitless melancholy.
Long treasured by a small, but growing, cult audience Blonde Redhead consistently denied their listeners much in the way of stylistic continuity and have been loved all the more for it by their fans. Once again 23 represents a change in direction for the band, but then after a decade of transformation one would expect no less. Indeed the number 23 is often singled out by bedroom philosophers as the number of change; the process of renewal and development, and this is perhaps the inspiration for the title of the album. The only problem with change, as the band themselves say on 'The Dress', is that people love you less. As with all cult bands the audience claim a certain amount of possession, denying casual listeners the right to hear the music, and scorning those who claim a closer association with their idols. The problems arise when this slides over into ownership and fans begin to assert exclusive ownership of their icons, censuring them when they begin to change. This, whilst obviously short-sighted and unfair, denies the band their evolution, but has is a trait that has nonetheless plagued Blonde Redhead throughout their career, and has perhaps maintained their cult status.
As such Blonde Redhead have again been attacked in some quarters for the changes reaped by '23'. The band, however, rejects these criticisms. Indeed Blonde Redhead describe the title, and opening, track, '23', as a hymn to the magic of change; a new spring season after the long winter months. They revel in the pleasure of change, and scorn those who would have them remain as what they once were. This change in direction is at the expense of some of their listeners, but will win them many more to replace them. What is presented here is the potential to leave listeners spellbound in a web of harmony; an exquisite and mesmerising mixture of melody and texture. Broad, stark, brush strokes of sweeping sound are applied with meticulous care to form a beautiful and enchanting whole. Bittersweet tones, at once alluring and confusing, are applied and draw a listener into their environment and shaping their sensations at their whim. This is an enchanting mixture and will surely win the band renewed acclaim.
A revived passion for creation is present throughout the record; as if after a period of contemplation the band is ready to begin another journey. The tone is wistful, reminiscent of a lesson learned at great expense and all the more valuable for the cost. On tracks such as 'SW' and 'Top Ranking' the band sing with vigour and charm as if enraptured by a mystical spell; having been hypnotised the music now flows through them to the audience. A new directness infuses the tracks of '23'. Whilst the familiar dulcet tones are applied with the usual beguiling charm, new notes of glamour and optimism are also present. These traits are certainly applied on the albums two stand out tracks, 'Spring by Summer Fall' and 'Silently'. Both ballads of immaculate beauty, they buzz with a vibrant energy, brightly skipping through their melodies and rhythms to weave a texture as subtle as smoke.
Whilst '23' may anger or enrage some seasoned listeners of Blonde Redhead the weight will be counterbalanced by the new warmth and grandeur the album provides to a wealth of new listeners. This is an enthralling listen and a must for summer.
Watch the video to '23' HERE
Artists in this article: Blonde Redhead
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