My Latest Novel - Deaths and Entrances (Bella Union)
4/5
By: Alex Hibbert
BUY DOWNLOADI've no idea why I'm sat here writing these very words. Not just those, in fact, but these ones too, and all the words that follow. You see, I've already reviewed this release on the pages of another publication, and not been asked to by this one you're at now. Yet, for some reason, I'm sat here typing.
Why am I sat here typing? Good question, hopefully the cathartic nature of sitting here and writing this will lead me to answer just that - because for the life of me I can't work it out. Has my opinion on the album changed since I reviewed it previously? Not really, though my words then, that My Latest Novel "aren't afraid to elicit the kind of harmonies and epic ambition that Bella are known for," or that Deaths And Entrances "might even need an IMAX; so large it's vision and stature" do sit a little uneasier. But I can't work out why.
It's more that those particular words are playing on my mind, in fact some aren't: the album does indeed "draw themes from a myriad of literary sources," my praise for the albums "post-rock symphonies and surging harmonies" is to be expected (they're great, to quote a tiger) and my assertion that 'I Declare A Ceasefire' is "majestically un-abandoned in its pomp and class" is completely justified. But then again there're so many soaring adjectives. Soaring? Is that even in there? No, but it could be. You know the type; epic's a must, majestic, euphoric perhaps? Heck! You could even throw graceful in there and it would probably stick. But then again, their songs do sound quite like that. You know? Soaring. What was it I said? That's right, "consistently climatic in nature." It's not that then, it's something else?
Maybe it's my condemnation in the previous review of another publication's assertion (if this wasn't complicated enough) that My Latest Novel weren't like Snow Patrol because they're "a far more interesting prospect." They are though, but then again they're also kinda cheesy. Sure, they sound great and have a "bookish charm," but really they're just a less mainstream version of that other Gary fronted troupe. A little more roused in vision, you could say, a little more rebellious, perhaps? Their road to stadium stardom a little more hazardous, for sure. But actually, deep down, similar. Why? Because - now I understand - MLN are a completely guilty pleasure.
Would you believe me if I spent time explaining a ridiculous situation where I'm scribbling these words frantically in the middle of the night hoping it will ease my mind? It doesn't matter. I'm not saying that Deaths And Entrances is best thing you'll hear all year, and those incessant adjectives are still there, but guilty pleasure or not, I like them, I like them a lot. Sleep tight.
Artists in this article: My Latest Novel
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