-=- SHGZ -=-
* Shoegaze * Indie * Post-Rock * Grunge * Dream Pop * Psych-Rock * Ethereal *
Artist..: Robin Guthrie - Mark Gardener
Album...: Universal Road
GENRE....: Indie
STYLE....: Ethereal, Shoegaze, Alternative/Indie Rock, Dream Pop, Indie Pop
LABEL....: Soleil AprΦs Minuit SCENE.....: 2016-02-19
BITRATE..: 876 kbps avg STORE.....: 2015-00-00
ENCODER..: FLAC 1.2.1 -8 -V TRACKS....: 10
SIZE.....: 228.7MB SOURCE....: CD
URL..: http://www.robinguthrie.com/
URL..: http://www.markgardener.com/
- TRACKLIST
1 Universal Road 3:38
2 Dice 4:29
3 Amnesia 3:38
4 Old Friend 3:41
5 Yesterday's News 3:13
6 Cry for Survival 3:57
7 Sometime 3:35
8 Triumphant 3:05
9 Reason 3:21
10 Blind 3:53
Total Playtime: 36:30
Two titans of the dream pop world clash when Mark Gardener, vocalist of Ride,
and Robin Guthrie, guitarist and producer of Cocteau Twins, meet up on 2015's
Universal Road album. OK, clash is exactly the opposite of what happened when
they got together. Guthrie's multi-layered musical beds prove to be an almost
ideal setting for Gardener's gentle wisp of a voice, and the album ends up as
a serendipitous meeting of the minds instead. The ten songs are mostly
subdued ballads guided by Guthrie's echoing guitars and filled in by pillowy
synths; only an occasional outlier builds up a head of steam. Gardener proves
right at home in the setting, imbuing his introspective lyrics with some
wisdom and cushioning his tender lead vocals with soft harmonies. It's not
the kind of album that leaps out at the listener demanding attention or
dazzling with hooks and tricks; one has to inhabit the songs and soak in the
sounds before it starts to stick. Even the noisier songs that call to mind
Ride's classic sound (like "Blind" and "Dice") are so fluffy and soft to the
touch that the distortion just kind of gets swept up into the cloud of
melancholic reserve. That's not a bad thing at all and it makes for a
peaceful, comforting listening experience. Those looking for something more
dramatic or energetic will need to look elsewhere for their kicks, as these
two are far more interested in creating a refined, calmly introspective mood.
To that end, Universal Road succeeds and shows how powerful a true
collaboration like this can be when done the right way.
*
While all the attention currently being focused on Mark Gardener
understandably surrounds the reformation of another band, it would be
churlish to dismiss his contributions to music over Ride's two decade hiatus.
Collaborations with fellow Oxford experimentalists Goldrush, Dead Horse One
and The Brian Jonestown Massacre along with a couple of singles in his own
right all bore enticing fruit of a deliciously ripened nature. So when it was
announced a couple of years ago that he was working on an album with Robin
Guthrie expectations were rightfully high.
As with Gardener, Guthrie also finds himself forever stuck with the tag
'former Cocteau Twin' despite having put out 14 albums since that band's
final release nearly 20 years ago. Having previously worked together on
2012's 'The Places We Go', Universal Road offers a more expansive view into
the opulent chemistry between its two creators.
However, those expecting a retread of either's past landscapes are in for a
surprise. And a pleasant one at that. Rather than focus on ethereal
soundscapes or sonic euphoria, Universal Road concentrates on a series of
defined melodies and song structures. Ten of them to be precise, and as a
result renders itself one of 2015's most astutely constructed collections.
Opening with the quaint ambience of the title track, Gardener imploring, "I
carry you wherever I go" over Guthrie's deft guitar arrangement. It sets the
scene for an album rich in texture and substance throughout. The most obvious
comparative sonically would be Kingdom of Rust-era Doves, none more so than
on swirling lullaby 'Dice'.
It's on the acoustic lament 'Amnesia', reflective 'Reason' and similarly
poised 'Old Friend' where Gardener's lyrical prowess comes to the fore.
Reminiscing about the past, there's a touching moment in the latter where he
declares, "I need a place to hide". Proceedings take a more upbeat turn on
'Yesterday's News', again spurred on by Guthrie's signature glissando
effected guitar sound.
'Cry for Survival' finds itself built around slide guitar passages while
'Sometime' once again is heavily accentuated upon Guthrie's distinctive
crescendo, Gardener stating "No getting old before our time" from the outset.
Entering the album's final third, 'Triumphant' lives up to its buoyant title.
"Sometimes I feel like I'm finally waking up" intones Gardener over a jaunty
melody while hypnotic closer 'Blind' ("There are things we'll never see")
proves both definitive and grandiose of its creators' intent and execution.
Although the shoegaze revival may be in full flow, Universal Road provides a
timely reminder that some of its main protagonists had much more to offer
than floppy fringes and extensive pedal racks.
-=- SHGZ -=-
P.S.
** Thanks ***
*** BCC FNT IPC SSR ***
*** For Knowing Where The Music Is At ***
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* NuHS we miss you! *
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