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THE GREAT EASTERN
The Delgados
(Chemikal Underground/ Beggar's Banquet)
For all the artful deconstructions performed on rock music at the end of the 20th century, few artists have been able to put it back together with the gentle, ghostly touch of Glasgow's Delgados.
In The Delgados' orbit, cello and vibraphone are as integral as ringing or humming guitars and fat-bottom drums. Low-key beatboxing settles down passively beneath piano and bells. The resulting emotional effect on The Great Eastern, out Tuesday, is an uncanny mix of despair and relief, where singer-guitarists Alun Woodward and Emma Pollock, for all their moody musings, can be jostled in a single time-change from a steady march into a spooky waltz (Accused Of Stealing), or from downhearted strumming into soaring, epic orchestral rock (American Trilogy).
"There's a light on in my head," indeed. Simultaneously distant, warm, frail and bold. Greatness awaits. Recommended for fans of: Mercury Rev's Deserter's Songs, The Flaming Lips' The Soft Bulletin, The Breeders' Pod.
Track Listing
1.The Past That Suits You Best
02.Accused Of Stealing
03.American Trilogy
04.Reasons For Silence (Ed's Song)
05.Thirteen Gliding Principles
06.No Danger
07.Aye Today
08.Witness
09.Knowing When To Run
10.Make Your Move