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Cranebuilders
Sometimes You Hear Through Someone Else
Skinny Dog Records
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Article
written by Adam W
Mar 31, 2005.
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Springtime is now upon us, so now is the time to sit back and listen to wave after wave of optimistic summer releases longing for life’s simple sun-kissed pleasures eh? Hmm, unfortunately, this is not the seasonal blueprint favoured by Liverpool’s Cranebuilders who’ve chosen it to dish up an unnervingly dark debut.
Originally whispered in the same breath as the more well-known Scouse bands in the psychedelic Deltasonic explosion of 2002, this mob prove to be about as far removed from the gleeful harmonics of The Coral and The Zutons as possible. Their slow-burning and deeply sad drones sound like Tindersticks drowning their sorrows with (smog) in the dingiest, dankest Glaswegian pub where Arab Strap drip eternally from the jukebox. Thankfully what could have resulted in maudlin dross is turned into an edgy, melodic and literate triumph, with the chugging guitars aided by subtle string and piano flourishes and an oft-intriguing lyricism.
Frontman Tommy Roberts’ (smog)-esque cackle lies at the heart of this record, with his dark, bitter tones spitting out line after line of lovelorn and very urban dissent. However, it’s Radio, on which he shares centre stage with a mysterious female vocal, where the true highpoint comes, with the pair spitting out their torture to a glorious and gloom-laden piano backdrop. Vacuum Cleaner is another notable gem, with our man drawling sentiments such as “Me and my piss-stained nappy, me and my piss-stained pride” to arresting effect.
Admittedly, given how disconcerting, slow-paced and monotonous the majority of this record is, it is certainly not for everyone. However, those left vaguely empty by the hiatuses of the arch miserablists referenced in this review could find much comfort in this subtle gem. “I just hope that you’re happy… I just hope that you’re sad” croons Roberts on Vacuum Cleaner, and if you’ve an inclination towards life’s musical sorrows then you’ll leave this record very satisfactorily feeling both.
Untitled Document
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