New album from the YIABW hitmakers is a beautiful thing. Full of woozy, unhurried, atmospheric sketches.
In the style of a pretentious wine drinker I’m getting hints of Eno, a definite flavour of Air and a waft of Massive Attack.
The reviews have been great. Could it be their best work after a mere 30 years together?
St Etienne. I’ve been trying to tell you
Having been initially perplexed by the lack of choruses (and Sarah to sing ‘em) I’d be tempted to believe you had the same rose-tinted specs on you wore during your playing career, Edgar, but I must say It’s growing on me with every listen (though I do find the clanging guitars on I Remember It Well do break the spell somewhat..)
Agreed that a lack of the lovely Sarah is a bad thing.
And also agreed that the track with guitars jolts you out of the general mood of the album.
The whole album reminds me of the possibly apocryphal Brian Eno quote about it being music you don’t listen to. I’ve had it on in the background while working and it keeps pulling me back into it
Just got this, (the limited powder blue vinyl with bonus cd!) so I’m still at the getting used to it stage. Atmospheric is definitely the right word for it. My fav Saint Et album is Tales From Turnpike House and this new one is completely different. Their best? Hmmm, time will tell… it’s really good but I suspect I might play a more song based album more in the long run, one of which is apparently supposed to be in the pipeline.
TFTH is my favourite too – their most consistent and completely realised album, I’d say.
As an aside, there’s a dude going by the name St. Etienne who also has an album of instrumental music out this year. I wonder if a punter were to play it blind would they believe that was the Stanley/Wiggs record..?
I’m normally a fan but I didn’t make it to the last couple of tracks. Your suggestion of comparisons with Air & Massive Attack make me think there’s no point in giving it another go.
Each to their own johnw.
It defo has a more experimental, ambient feel which won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. I probably wouldn’t have been into it 5 years ago but I find I’m heading more in that direction lately
A very tenuous claim to fame…Augustus Bousfield, the collaborator/co-write of this album, is the husband of my friend and ex-colleague. Form an orderly queue for autographs…(mine, not his).
Really enjoyed listening to this all week. And the new Manics album too.