Essays For Brass - Yorkshire Building Society Band (The)

Advantages: Great patriotic tracks
Disadvantages: none

...! The most British track (apart from the National Anthem)- it's more commonly known as Land of Hope and Glory. It's played really well in such a way that when the tune is first played, it's done nicely and sensitively, then it gradually builds to a triumphant climax. Not one of the more upbeat tracks, but works perfectly nonetheless. The RRP for the CD is around £7.99 (well it was when it was first released) but you can get it from www.amazon.co.uk for as little as £4, so I think it's a bargain you should definitely treat yourself to. It's a great CD to get if you wish to expand your musical horizons to brass bands. Thanks for reading :o)... Read review

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Advantages: Expertedly produced, features diverse world music styles, wonderfully addictive
Disadvantages: Too short

...interesting. The hip-hop elements are accompanied by Chinese strings and bamboo flutes, as well sexy saxophone notes and a thumping drum beat. A really original, impressive track. 'Bomb In A Trumpet Factory' As the title suggests, this track heavily features trumpets. It is the shortest track on the album, but is a nice little medley of sampled trumpet sounds and a fast, bouncy tempo. The high-pitched trumpets, partnered with deeper brass instruments, perfectly demonstrate the 'call and answer' notion Holland is keen to explore with this album. A very groovy tune, but at times sounds a little too active and energetic. 'Politick Society (featuring Noelle Scaggs)' This is a great track, really uplifting and catchy, with a distinct Latin American style. Bringing to mind cosy Mexican bars and live salsa bands, it opens with some African beats... Read review

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Advantages: raw and beautiful rock
Disadvantages: none

...of Vanity, the counterpoint of the prevoius song. Guitars wail, drums kick and the bass takes the forefront again as the final piece of self analysis takes the stage, its all vanity and chaos in the end. Although based firmly in a dark rock sound, the band are clever to avoid the cliches, solos are avoided in favour of more interesting concepts, bass lines often take centre stage, and always there is a passionate delivery of ideas by the singer. Sometimes spitting the anger and bile against society, but often looking inwards and being able to wear his heart on the sleeve. There is a beauty in the music, the same beauty you find in a ruined building or a tumbling sky, its not cliche or pretty, its majestic and breath taking.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful