2009: The Ones That Got Away #7: The Gothenburg Address

SCOTTISH MUSIC SUNDAYS

I’m a friend of The Gothenburg Address’ guitarist Chris Bathgate and a big fan of his previous bands (he was a touring member of Arab Strap and frontman for Sans Trauma) – so I have very little excuse for being so late with this review.

Sometimes it’s hard to write about friend’s bands though, but having seen this lot live I knew the album would be something pretty special, and while it’s a slicker and less ferocious beast than their live shows, it still has its fair share of breathtaking moments.

Luke Joyce is the main songwriter, and though I don’t know him at all, I imagine he’s an intense sort. Opener ‘Leaving The Last Behind’ rumbles with some ominous strings and dramatic piano rolls, and to be honest this took me off guard at first as I was expecting the album to be almost entirely guitar-based and a lot heavier. Instead it’s actually quite introspective and melodic.

First single ‘A Lesser Home’ still sounds blinding, with the kind of soaring changes in mood that make Explosions in The Sky such an uplifting listen. Shimmer is a pretty accurately titled song, with layers of guitars building up satisfyingly, and ‘Senior in the Stripper’s Light’ is a quality title (I just hope they’re not talking about me).  The album’s closer ‘I Am Made of Hearts + Fire’, actually lives up to the brilliance of its title, being a pulsating, mindstretching soundtrack to an alien space craft landing, and really does leave me gagging for more – can’t wait for the 2nd album!

Don’t believe me? Check out this Aye Tunes review

Hear a Lesser Coming Home at The List’s website

Hear their BBC Radio Scotland session for Vic Galloway over at Peenko’s blog

See them live: 18th March 7:00 PM at The Mill – Cabaret Voltaire , Edinburgh, Scotland

Buy the album and other goodies