Hot Shots II - Beta Band (The)

Advantages: More concise, laid back Beta Band
Disadvantages: Less of the trademark sound-scapes

...With their second album proper, Scottish four-piece The Beta Band show that the excitement generated by "The 3 EP's" and "The Beta Band" is well placed indeed. From the moment the album opens with the brilliant single "Squares" you get the feeling the band had a much clearer idea of what they wanted to achieve with this record. Still lying somewhere between Sigur Ros and Radiohead, the Beta-boys still made here a truly original piece. The songs have the form which seemed missing from previous records, boiling down the million ideas they must of had to bring the listener the finest completed piece without sparing the integrity. Across all Beta Band albums you could pick off fantastic songs, with "Hot Shots II" you really feel at the end you've been on a journey. A sign of a great full length album. A strange sort of journey it is too... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great snapshot of a great indie band
Disadvantages: not heard enough to be appreciated

...an incidental appearance on the film starring John Cusack, 'High Fidelity' (adapted from the Nick Hornby novel of the same name). The scene goes along the lines that "I will now sell five copies of The Three EPs by The Beta Band" and plays a minute or so of the song. This opened up opportunities but with their unique style the mainstream never took to this fabulous band. Near misses The Beta Band was, certainly in my eyes, an unconventional indie band. That's not to say that they wanted to be that way, I have read numerous interviews with Steve Mason who claimed that they wanted more people to hear their music. You have to feel some kind of sympathy when you hear the story of their proposed first single of album #2 'Hot Shots II' entitled 'Squares' featured a well timed sample but turned out that a one hit wonder band named I Monster... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Touches your emotions
Disadvantages: None

...Citing influences ranging from the decidedly serious Martin Sheen to the asinine Chevy Chase to funkmaster Bootsy Collins, the Beta Band is a delight. This aptly titled compilation of three separately released EPs is sure to leave music fans scratching their collective head while trying to define this Scottish band's intricate aural hodgepodge. The Beta Band makes a very distinct and exciting impression. There's the unusual coupling of acoustic guitar, horn, sampled beats, and a catchy refrain on "Dry the Rain"; the hypnotic instrumental "B+A"; and "She's the One," which opens with a chaotic, hippyish drum circle that segues first to an anthemic chorus and then to a highly processed breakdown complete with a Jew's harp. The Three EPs will dominate the CD player, becoming somewhat of an obsession, with each listen revealing some brilliant... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful