B for Bang - Across the Universe of Languages (KML)
2/5
By: Ailsa Caine
It's hard to deliver a truly neutral description of B for Bang's Across the Universe of Languages, as even the most candid synopsis feels laden with distain. To explain, Across the Universe of Languages is an avant garde 'interpretation' of well-known Beatles songs. These interpretations usually involve rendering the original barely traceable, and incorporate a concoction of influences from classical to the spoken word.
To a die hard Beatles fan, it's likely that the result of Across the Universe... is no less than highly offensive. However, credit should be given where credit's due, and there can be no disputing that this is an innovative attempt at reinvigorating much loved songs for a new and diverse audience. The problem lies in the actual substance of the tracks, whilst some songs, notably 'Come Together', retain familiar melodies or lyrics, most are, at best, reflections of it's original's 'feel'. Whereas the Beatles were renowned for a career which spanned a variety of sounds and an evolution of style, Across the Universe... retains a similar approach throughout. Therefore, by default the songs that retain most of their original components are those that fit with what's already going on in the music. Making their source sound like an incidental influence is perhaps not the way for B for Bang to approach remastering classics from Britain's most famous band.
'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds' perhaps works best; its psychedelic lyrics fitting nicely with B for Bangs overriding ethos. However, for every 'Lucy' there's a 'Mr. Kite', the latter sounding more like the lovechild of Mr T's 'Commandments' and Peter and the Wolf than anything the Beatles gave life to.
It's hard to take Across the Universe of Languages entirely seriously as an album, or as a homage to the Beatles, but then perhaps we weren't supposed to. As a background soundtrack, it's surprisingly easy to listen to, and as an Avant Garde expression, it's an interesting piece of work. However, if you were hoping this album would breathe life into your favourite Beatles song, cover your ears, because the result may haunt you for life.
Artists in this article: B for Bang
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