Special Patrol-the strangers dozen
October 1st 2009 11:03
There is something strangely familiar about Special Patrol's 4th full length album. Upon first listen, you'd swear you've heard this record before. Maybe at a cafe? Maybe at a dinner party when the meal is over and the second bottle of wine has been opened. Either way, I felt very comfortable in this album straight away. Special Patrol blend alternative folk with pop sensibilities to create an easy listening album. Opening with 'In Between You & Me' the album rides through sonically like a sunday afternoon drive. The pop elements keep the songs light and fun, while never becoming too sickly sweet in it's joyful tones such as in 'Ordinary Life' and 'Hot Air Balloon'.
South Australia's Special Patrol have created an album I think anyone would be hard pressed to not like. Simple rhythms, a well balanced mix of instruments to complement the songs which never sound forced, contrived or overdone, which many bands can easily fall into the trap of doing. For me the stand out tracks are the 'Right On' with its children choir singing the refrain, the slightly darker, deeper 'New Years Eve' and 'Teenage Sweethearts'. The comparison to a band like Skipping Girl Vinegar is obvious but also a compliment to both bands. I did find the albums cover art a bit disturbing and misleading. A young girl leading a hooded, naked woman down the stairs.... doesn't quite reflect the songs within but is definitely a powerful image. The five piece have been making music for the best part of 10 years now and the experience shows through the songs. Well worth a listen.
South Australia's Special Patrol have created an album I think anyone would be hard pressed to not like. Simple rhythms, a well balanced mix of instruments to complement the songs which never sound forced, contrived or overdone, which many bands can easily fall into the trap of doing. For me the stand out tracks are the 'Right On' with its children choir singing the refrain, the slightly darker, deeper 'New Years Eve' and 'Teenage Sweethearts'. The comparison to a band like Skipping Girl Vinegar is obvious but also a compliment to both bands. I did find the albums cover art a bit disturbing and misleading. A young girl leading a hooded, naked woman down the stairs.... doesn't quite reflect the songs within but is definitely a powerful image. The five piece have been making music for the best part of 10 years now and the experience shows through the songs. Well worth a listen.
| 25 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
subscribe to this blog