After a album compilation, Work & Non Work,
released on Warp two and a half years ago, and a long
silence, Broadcast and their china shop are back with
their first proper album. The Noise Made By People
sees Broadcast carrying on their exploration of
sounds and atmospheres. Not that far apart from the
likes of Stereolab,
the songs are sometimes quite challenging, and the band
defies classification. Not completely art pop nor mainstream,
too "live" to be electronic, Trish 'n' co explore new
territories, experiment without being pretentious. Unlike
Stereolab, Broadcast
benefit from a generally more simple approach to their
art!
What probably strikes the most is the unity of sound
throughout the record. The whole thing, put together
like a Jenga tower, threatens to collapse at any time,
but resists well. The influences, from Morricone and
Barry, to the electronic weirdness of some of their
label mates are clear, but don't over shadow the talent
of the band members. Instead, they weave their delicate
web slowly, with precision and dignity. Every note has
its purpose, every word its duty. Broadcast are economical
with everything, avoid padding and fluff and go straight
to the point. Music is an art, not a business, and they
prove, on every single track, that it is possible to
entertain without compromising, to educate without being
boring. It takes some time to discover the beauty hidden
inside, but like true love, Broadcast must be deserved.
And what you get in return is worth the effort. Album
of the month!
5/5 |
