The second album from this London four-piece is a lot like most film sequels: bigger and better in every aspect – but unlike most Hollywood sequels, this follow-up actually exceeds all expectations.Fa
r from their previous DIY attempts, Born Under Saturn was recorded between East London’s Netil House and Banbury’s Angelic Studios – resulting in the much more polished sound. Everything about this album sounds larger, from the multitude of instruments used to the tonal variation of lead singer Vincent Neff.
Giant kicks off with a bassy piano backing, with Neff’s vocals lifting an octave or two, before breaking out into their signature synth beat. Shake and Tremble brings back the grungy-surf guitar. It’s got the kind of dance-inducing melodies that fans will enjoy. Found You uses some inventive percussion to draw on the myth of Faust’s deal with the devil, in which he exchanges his soul for worldly pleasures. With its ‘80s-inspired bass riff, First Light really slaps the listener in the face (in a good way of course), with Reflections doing something fairly similar.
Vibrations sounds almost tribal, featuring jungle sound effects, while Shot Down is a haunting tale of dirty deeds and double crossing. The synth-heavy beat of High Moon is enchanting, similarly the much slower-sounding Beginning To Fade that will slowly sweep you of your feet. The album comes to a close with the fuzzy jam 4000 Years, fast-paced Break The Glass and climactic Life We Know.
BY CHRIS BRIGHT
