Sundtrak

Date Released: August 17, 2009
Album Genre: Indie
Album Rating: 9/10
Sounds Like: ?

I've been holding off for a while now reviewing this album. I keep on expecting more surprises, and definitely not making the same mistake I made for The Stroke's First Impressions of Earth where I judged the album right off the bat. A couple months later, my feelings towards the album changed completely from irritating to the ears to falling in love. Similarly, although not to that extreme, I found myself going through the same motions with this album. At first, I didn't really think much of it. I heard a couple tracks, it was alright, there's a lot of indie bands out there. But the more I listened the album, the more it grew on me. Yes, I'm totally one of "those people", but honestly the album is great and deserves the credit. These British teenagers really got things right, the album itself is well-rounded, both musically and lyrically. Singing about love, sex, really whatever you want it to be. There's a great dynamic from beginning to end. As an album, I'm quite impressed and didn't hesitate giving it a 9/10. In a way, you have to look at it as an album.

Each track have their own unique characters, unlike some of those albums or artists you've heard where you can't really distinguish songs apart. Maybe it's the fact that they have dual vocalists? Intro is a great intro (were they trying to be funny?) to the album. Too often I hear either a disorganized album with no beginning or end, or an album with the most obscure sounds for an introduction. The xx hit it just right, dreamlike instrumental shoegaze. VCR, Crystalised, and Heart Skipped A Beat may be my favorite tracks from the album. I sound uncertain because it's hard to choose, and my mind keeps on changing about it. VCR might have my favorite introduction to a song, the xylophone sounding keyboard or whatever they're using is such a great addition. The three tracks as well as Basic Space and Infinity have such good dynamics between Oliver and Romy.