How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Outstanding
Value for Money
Advantages:
More concise, laid back Beta Band
Disadvantages:
Less of the trademark sound - scapes
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
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. Sparse beats and twinkles as the demons appear on track one, we find ourselves rocking with people in sunshine through the middle. And at the end, we come together relaxed to wonder about the world.
It's certainly safe to say The Beta Band will be one of the most important Bristish bands of the next 10 years, the proof lies in 'Hot Shots II'.
More details
How does it rate alongside the competition
Outstanding
Cover / Inlay Design and Content
Good
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