basegreen
01-08-2007, 10:58
Just got a copy of this album, and it's absolutely fantastic. A solid, mature follow up to the excellent debut "The Bright Carvings" released in 2006.
In case you haven't come across this band, they have a great website at
http://www.mstu.co.uk/
Lead singer Nat has that almost-irritating combination of musical talent, a gorgeous silky voice, and good looks. She's almost something of a prophet, given the content of the song 'Sheffield Shanty' on the debut album - Nat predicted huge floods, and the possibility of having to use boats to travel around Sheffield. :eek: The local BBC station picked up on this, and interviewed her just to make sure she wasn't actually Nostradamus :)
On this follow-up, there's a raft (geddit?) of stand-out tracks, here's a rundown of the tracklisting:
Statutory Rights: A two minute wonder, where Nat rattles out a lovely warm beginning to the album with some lush key changes and very clear guitar work.
Bloodline: A live favourite, which seems to lose something on record, perhaps to do with the production more than anything. The addition of strings and more rhythm creates a more urgent/edgy song.
Science: A previous single, and a fantastic lyrical journey covering aircraft flying, science and wildlife facts :) This is where MSTU are best, lyrically adept, softly sung and dramatic.
Matterhoney: Probably the weakest track on the album, but still a lot of fun. A tad faster here; a unashamed pop blast!
Gravestones: A drop back to the normal MSTU pace again, and a cracking gothic-tinged tune which sets up the next track very well indeed. Of particular note is some superb subtle string work really fleshes out the song.
Little Polveir: One of the highlights of the LP, and another previous single release. Nat's sultry vocals really strike a chord with me - the "ahh hooooooo" parts make me shiver - they're so delicate and striking. Think Belle and Sebastian story-telling, but without the pomposity. Oh and more weather-related lyrics. Topical, and stunning. You can see the official video here: http://www.mstu.co.uk/flash/polveirVideo.html
Elizabeth & Mary: Reference to the title of the album (ie the infamous letters from Mary Queen of Scots back in the 16th Century), and at odds with the rest of the album in its gothic splendour, but the album truly benefits from this harder track with rock guitars, and bombastic chorus. A real, genuine stand-out moment as Nat blasts out "Holy Moses.....".
Ballad of the Breakneck Bride: Shades of Isobell Campell and Mark Laneghan here, with a duet in a very similar vein, and maintaining the slight gothic interlude in the album. Not completely sure it works as well as other similar things I've heard, but this is still quality stuff from the Sheffield band.
Paper, Scissors, Stone: A return to the usual pace and style here, with a really gorgeous soft ballad, which really shows off Nat's voice at its best. A bit of kooky percussion and we're almost finished.
When The Work Is Done: Last track, and a very calm and circumspect finish to proceedings. Some americana-style slide guitar, more pensive lyrical work and a fine way to draw a close to an excellent 2nd LP.
In case you haven't come across this band, they have a great website at
http://www.mstu.co.uk/
Lead singer Nat has that almost-irritating combination of musical talent, a gorgeous silky voice, and good looks. She's almost something of a prophet, given the content of the song 'Sheffield Shanty' on the debut album - Nat predicted huge floods, and the possibility of having to use boats to travel around Sheffield. :eek: The local BBC station picked up on this, and interviewed her just to make sure she wasn't actually Nostradamus :)
On this follow-up, there's a raft (geddit?) of stand-out tracks, here's a rundown of the tracklisting:
Statutory Rights: A two minute wonder, where Nat rattles out a lovely warm beginning to the album with some lush key changes and very clear guitar work.
Bloodline: A live favourite, which seems to lose something on record, perhaps to do with the production more than anything. The addition of strings and more rhythm creates a more urgent/edgy song.
Science: A previous single, and a fantastic lyrical journey covering aircraft flying, science and wildlife facts :) This is where MSTU are best, lyrically adept, softly sung and dramatic.
Matterhoney: Probably the weakest track on the album, but still a lot of fun. A tad faster here; a unashamed pop blast!
Gravestones: A drop back to the normal MSTU pace again, and a cracking gothic-tinged tune which sets up the next track very well indeed. Of particular note is some superb subtle string work really fleshes out the song.
Little Polveir: One of the highlights of the LP, and another previous single release. Nat's sultry vocals really strike a chord with me - the "ahh hooooooo" parts make me shiver - they're so delicate and striking. Think Belle and Sebastian story-telling, but without the pomposity. Oh and more weather-related lyrics. Topical, and stunning. You can see the official video here: http://www.mstu.co.uk/flash/polveirVideo.html
Elizabeth & Mary: Reference to the title of the album (ie the infamous letters from Mary Queen of Scots back in the 16th Century), and at odds with the rest of the album in its gothic splendour, but the album truly benefits from this harder track with rock guitars, and bombastic chorus. A real, genuine stand-out moment as Nat blasts out "Holy Moses.....".
Ballad of the Breakneck Bride: Shades of Isobell Campell and Mark Laneghan here, with a duet in a very similar vein, and maintaining the slight gothic interlude in the album. Not completely sure it works as well as other similar things I've heard, but this is still quality stuff from the Sheffield band.
Paper, Scissors, Stone: A return to the usual pace and style here, with a really gorgeous soft ballad, which really shows off Nat's voice at its best. A bit of kooky percussion and we're almost finished.
When The Work Is Done: Last track, and a very calm and circumspect finish to proceedings. Some americana-style slide guitar, more pensive lyrical work and a fine way to draw a close to an excellent 2nd LP.