ARTIST: People For Audio
TITLE: THe New Ancients
LABEL: Storyboard Label
GENRE: Indie
BITRATE: 168kbps avg
PLAYTIME: 0h 51m total
RELEASE DATE: 2007-05-15
RIP DATE: 2007-05-09
Track List
----------
1. Carlos 9:05
2. Captain 4:28
3. The Old Identical 3:39
4. The Night Shift 1:27
5. Black Memory White Whale 7:03
6. St. Henri's Back Porch 1:13
7. Olos Okiek 2:25
8. Hard Luck 3:53
9. Thanks For Asking 1:22
10. The Old Identical II 4:10
11. Halfway 1:00
12. From City To Country 10:35
13. You Said It Before 1:32
Release Notes:
Long-time contributor Jay Jay Erickson and his trusted friend 'McCalla' join
forces for another Messenger-based sΘance review. This time, they turn their
attention to the Storyboard LabelÆs fifth official release, and the second from
MontrΘalÆs People for Audio. What do you know, the review duo is all for audio,
too.
JJE: This second effort by People for Audio, a classic-minded 6-piece from
MontrΘal, brings to mind a flood of emotional baggage. In both tone and spirit,
the formation gathers everything itÆs been packinÆ for long heartfelt bangers
that tug until you crack. The New Ancients is big music in every sense of the
word; sliding pianos, sweeping electric guitars, lap and pedal steel, an
occasional banjo, some organ and synthesizers, sing-a-long jams, and a few
instrumental art rock numbers for grandeur and effect.
McCalla: This is all postcards, wheat fields, and gritty long bus rides with a
lot on your mind. There is nostalgia and reflection right down to the album
title. In my case, itÆs been a real grower.
JJE: I agree entirely. And to be honest, from the opening track, as well as the
groupÆs notorious multimedia shows featuring film whiz Scott Lewis, I was
expecting something far more post-rock sounding, α la 'Les Angles Mort', another
dynamic art-minded crew from MontrΘalù but I was very, very wrong.
McCalla: As a whole, People for Audio have a lot more in common with modern day
Do Make Say Think, at least in theory. But as strange as it may sound, the
sextet actually reminds me most of Gentlemen-era Afghan Whigs, especially on the
two brilliant openers, "Carlos", the gargantuan instrumental, and the great
"Captain", but also on the reminiscing "Black Memory White Whale". ItÆs all
about delivery and climax, and that loathing guitar that made the Whigs so
great. The rest of the album just doesnÆt strike me in the same way as those do.
JJE: ThereÆs richness in everything, and I think weÆre going to need some more
time to get everything, in the same way as the Besnard LakesÆ latest.
McCalla: You got it. The New Ancients is an album that requires time and
attention. ItÆs definitely a grower. Shit, weÆre on the same page again!