The Sound of Arrows Voyage (Skies Above)
4/5
By: Tom Hocknell
If you're wondering why Rockfeedback is reviewing this, it's because it's amazing, which is all we ever want to write. If there's a pop heaven, The Sound of Arrows are on repeat.
This is what the Hurts album would have sounded like if it wasn't overloaded with Vienna shaped ballads, and been toured with a commitment more characteristic of US foreign policy.
It's been a good year for pop, with Will Young's flawless ‘Echoes’ (courtesy of Richard X), Neon Indian, and Fear of Tigers heading up most playlists worth sharing, and this bringing its own stamp to the company.
The title, presumably a nod to 1987's Italo-pop of Desireless' ‘Voyage Voyage’, will have some running for the Border (line), but those staying are in for a treat. From the opening 'I'm gonna walk my way, out of this town', its no-sweat synth sweeps with more hooks than a karaoke machine.
‘My Shadow’ may take its lead from Robert Miles' ‘Children’ (and if that wasn't cheesy enough, there's a primary school on backing vocals), but it's uplifting escapist stuff and so perfect for driving through the dying summer light that it's best listened to out of reach of car keys.
A true stand out is ‘Ruins of Rome’, which starts like Enya on ecstasy. It's simultaneously majestic and wistful with a gorgeous coda that demands heavy rotation. You quickly realise there is no pop flourish this album doesn't turn down to make its own. The irony is that such honestly commercial music isn't getting radio play. It's like a less free-associating version of the recent magnificence of the M83 album, and will attract fans of its tighter moments. Meanwhile, fans of The Horrors’ stadium shoegaze may baulk at liking pop as epic as this, but it's possible to like both, with the best starting point here being the elegant sassiness of ‘Conquest’.
While the existence of this album may send some crying into their Rickenbackers, it will have others squealing with delight. Despite his recent desert-thousand yard stares, you just know Brandon Flowers will love this album, and that people still have the balls to make this sort of celebratory music; and to smile (like they mean it).
Artists in this article: The Sound of Arrows
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