As we all know by now, or are regularly told, the so-called indie/alternative music scene is the new MOR. There are now so many pale faced, fragile souls dispensing atmospheric, acoustic, melancholic whimsy that it's difficult to see anything else breaking through. Call it easy listening or yet another new take on angst ridden miserablism, it matters not as every A & R man worth his salt is currently involved in a frantic search for this year's Coldplay.
In much the same way as Travis caused a frenzy the previous year. So the prospect of listening to another album produced by a sensitive, harmonic acoustic duo may seem a trifle dull and quite frankly tired. That is until the rich and emotive soul of this album has been fully explored.
After a first listen 'The Optimist LP' simply drifts over your head like yet another take on a well worn formula, but given a second chance reveals a glorious, often ornate sensibility that simply can't be ignored. The brainchild of Olly Knights and strumming partner Gale Paradganian (and no I didn't make the names up) Turin Brakes are destined to shine above the rest of the pack with consummate ease. Comparisons have been drawn with Mick Head's early works and even one Nick Drake. High praise indeed.
Theirs is a fragile, deeply affecting journey through a pastoral landscape of great intensity with a country tinged goodness coming straight outta Brighton. With a sound of great purity and some truly dexterous guitar action it's quite hard to see this as a record that originated from the self-styled 'London by the sea.' Especially when the American infused vocals breathe gently out of the speakers.
Previous single 'The Door' is possibly the most immediate and accessible proposition even though it has a distinctly Michael Stipe like complex lyrical twist, while 'State of Things' oozes great warmth and tremendous charm at every turn. The harmonies are to die for and with a fairly unique vocal twang it's clear to see that this pair most definitely have their own voice.
The late night, slow burning glow of 'By TV Light' aims straight for the heart, while the impassioned plea of the distinctly uplifting 'Save Me' cuts even the toughest of heartstrings in two. However when things move a little more up-tempo during 'Slack' they lose a little of their spirit, as a full band accompanies their stripped down sound. Its slightly cliched rock dynamics are a little too tedious for comfort and steer just a little too close to the central reservation on this particular journey.
Yet the huge heart beating at the core of this album and it's raw, rough around the edges soul are what lift it above the ordinary. As a debut effort it is so assured that it will take some bettering this year. Once Turin Brakes get under the skin their infectious, divine country tinged folk is something to savour and fall gently in love with. Mass devotion is surely just around the corner.
