Young Marble Giants - Colossal Youth (Domino)
4/5
By: Dean Driscoll
Said to be one of Kurt Cobain's favourite bands, and with their influence present in the work of a wealth of artists from Hole to Belle & Sebastian (both of whom have covered YMG songs), Young Marble Giants have come to be seen as one of the key acts of the post-punk era. This re-release of their only full-length record (complete with bonus CD of rarities) provides evidence of why this Welsh trio have come to be held in such high regard.
What marked YMG out from their contemporaries was their delicate approach to songwriting. Made up of vocalist Alison Statton and brother Stuart (guitar / organ) and Phil Oxham (bass), the music is inventive yet minimalist backing for Alison's soulful vocals. The most obvious touchstone in current bands is The Kills - there is no drummer, only a simple drum machine which serves more as a metronome around which the band layer their sounds. The sparseness of the music serves to highlight Statton's laconic yet expressive vocals. Those occasions when the music comes to the fore surprise with the funkiness of Phil Oxham's basslines, whilst his brother's organ or guitar work serve as light touches of sound rather than the driving force behind the songs.
It seems a shame that this was the only record YMG made before they split up - though there are said to be plans afoot for the band to reform. Originally released on Rough Trade in 1980, 'Colossal Youth' has attained the status of post-punk classic, and listening to tracks such as 'Wurlitzer Jukebox' and 'Searching For Mr Right', you can't help but agree. Young Marble Giants deserve their place alongside PiL, Gang Of Four and Talking Heads in the post-punk canon - in every respect, 'Colossal Youth' proves that less is sometimes more.
Watch a video of a live performance of 'N.I.T.A.' HERE.
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