Oh, to play songs too quietly, a fatal mistake in judging any song’s merits. Take, for instance, ‘So Far Gone’ by The Early Years, a three-piece outfit hailing from London. Played at half volume to save fellow bus passengers that annoying little hiss from headphones – that’s me, Thoughtful Daniel – this review would be only to mention the bad production, the fact the band forgot dynamism is what made Krautrock hypnotic, and the vocals being the wrong side of average. But amplified, the faults vanish leaving a four-minute piece of noisy majesty…
At a higher volume, the drums become apparent adding that tangible thrust. The vocals show themselves to be not badly produced only lo-fi, singer David Malkinson sounding as though he’d be more comfortable in Sebadoh circa 1992. But most importantly, with added volume, the band’s noise influences become clear and, with conviction, they truly throw it down. Dual guitars drive, economically employed synths swirl and drums pound.
B-sides ‘Rats’ and ‘So Far Gone Pt II’ don’t progress far from the lead track; ‘Pt II’ is essentially a remix full of Morse Code beeps and no vocals, ‘Rats’ being a slower affair, a Mogwai track if they listened to more garage rock if you will.
Signed only last year and releasing just one single prior to this one, these are indeed the early years. Continue creating moments like this however and the next few years could be very special.
ah, this is more like it
Loud, synchronous, cool melody, distorted-as-fuck-but-controlled. The world needs more pedal maniac bands like this--the kind that build a solid groove and ride it rather than throwing noise and solos and tempo changes around. I could listen to this all day. If I give them a 10 and add it to your 8, that's like an 18, right?
So Far Gone
It's a shining light amongst the current crop of Dirty Razorkooks out there just now...and indeed you're right, play loud!
first single was good
I want the new one...
Heard this...
on Radio 1 the other day. It's not too bad, hardly original, but it does get the head nodding and the toe tapping....must dig out those old Telescopes albums...
also heard this...
on Radio 1. tis good we seem to be amongst sonic rumblings once more. This Early Years single is good, but Serena Maneesh lead the way. Their album is fantastic, right up there with the best. Also people should check out Foundry Field Recordings from US, their record "Prompts/Miscues" is a classic in waiting. Kind of leaves The Early Years in the shade, but they're not bad