Hopefully one day it will disappear but for now, as seen with The Blue Alarm, it’s here for a little longer. Though unlike many bands with ‘The’ before their title, The Blue Alarm are actually first-class and should have no trouble getting recognition and appraisal with Astronauts and Angels
Fronted by Fraser Mackenzie, The Blue Alarm soon move into a sound on Astronauts and Angels, both with music and vocalization, that makes you reminisce (or cringe) upon the mop-haired, geek-chic Brit-Pop era of the early nineties.
The influence of Brit-Pop is so strong that not to hear similarities with Mackenzie’s vocal talents to that of Tom Yorke’s would raise concerns for one’s hearing. On tracks such as the opener, “Astronauts and Angels”, the melancholy piano intro only emphasises MacKenzie’s bittersweet voice, scarily close at times to impersonation.
“Brambled Stockings” is another example of the Brit-Pop influence inherent on the album and goes as far as retro with its use of guitar and ‘Blur-esque’ keyboard whines.
Brit-pop influences aside, the album really comes into its own with songs that could be considered altogether less commercial (but definitely more powerful). “Gum” provides us with an ethereal sounding acoustic piece, allowing both guitar and voice to take centre stage while The Blue Alarm stay with you after listening via its effective minimalist composition and spoken-word lyrics. Though sadly too short, its lack of duration is not noticeable on an album that only just passes the thirty-minute mark.
While tracks such as the above) leave you with a tranquil satisfaction – “When Mothers Conspire’” deserves a mention too – the catch is that it weakens the other songs, particularly “Usual Way” a piece lacking the style and depth of the other ten.
Either way there is enough variety of sound for anyone to get a hold of Astronauts and Angels and enjoy it thoroughly, this is one ‘The’ band that I hope to hear more of.
