Drowned in Sound

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Athlete at Reading University Students Union, Fri 23 Jan

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? by Sara Lovejoy
Athlete take to the stage and I feel even more removed from my generation. As soon as the opening bars of one of their trying-too-hard-to-please ‘hits’ chime, teenagers and twenty- and thirty-somethings raise their hands in the air, bounce around and sing along like their Diesel clad lives depend on it. This isn’t right. This is so wrong. But this is it. This is what people want to spend £15 on (yes, when did student union gig ticket prices go up?), and this makes them happy, apparently.

I on the other hand am not happy.

Where did all the heroes go? Where did the heaving soundtracks to our youth’s fade away to? Musicians are currently leaving a piss poor musical legacy for the people who are supposed to be starting revolutions. I appreciate everything (music, art, film) is subjective and I am clearly in the minority when it comes to Athlete, but it is just sad to watch. So I move to the back of the union bar and contemplate the state of the universe while munching on a cheese pannini.

  • Athlete 5 / 10
Words: Sara Lovejoy

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Athlete

Nothing wrong with Diesel jeans.
Old_Anonymous_Comments | 29 Jan '04, 15:51 | Send note | Report this | Reply

Athlete

I like Athlete. I don't think they're trying to do heaving soundtracks to our youth. Look elsewhere for that.

I do think £15 is a bit much. But then, Snow Patrol were supporting, weren't they? So it must've been a bit more worth it. In fact, Snow Patrol are more likely to soundtrack youth. Well, I like 'Run' in that way. So were Snow Patrol any good?
brusma | 29 Jan '04, 16:43 | Send note | Report this | Reply

Re: Athlete

I really wanted to be blown away by snow patrol, but i was really disappointed by them. thats why i didn't write about them as i want to like them and feel that they will be or are great and it was maybe just a bad night. and yes i agree that athlete aren't trying to be anything they are not, it was just disheartening because so many people got so much from something that is so bland. but there again it is only my opinion and by the happy looks on people's faces i am in the wrong.
Old_Anonymous_Comments | 29 Jan '04, 19:10 | Send note | Report this | Reply

Athlete

oh my god i dont think ive ever seen a review that ive disagreed with so much!
snow patrol were awesome, much better than on record. the only problem with their set was that it was too short!
i wasnt sure what to expect from athlete as their songs are generally pretty mellow, but they really delivered.
if you want a 'heaving soundtrack' go listen to nickelback!!!
monkeyman1983 | 3 Feb '04, 12:32 | Send note | Report this | Reply