Label: Chess Club
Release Date: 12/05/08
Rating:
With so many acts today fusing elements of dance and rock, it has become routine to hear some new manic hybrid emerge in the mainstream every other week. From the hardcore punk-cum-trance approach of Enter Shikari to the dance with a dash of indie-rock racket of LCD Soundsystem, it feels like a lot of bands are heading in this direction for better or worse.
Where does this place Post War Years then? Well, to say that this single is as enjoyable as any output by the previously mentioned artists probably wouldn't be telling the truth. With more than a few humdrum moments and no real urgency, the three tracks are pushed down by an overall lack of infectious energy.
'Black Morning' kicks things off with keys reminiscent of early 90s dance and a sturdy drumbeat that disintegrates into just a pumping bass drum pedal during the breakdowns. Spiky synth and hand clap samples make an appearance every now and then, and the result is a decent opener restricted only by sluggish vocals that refuse to liven up until the chorus arrives. 'You And Me Both' is thankfully more awake, with Rapture-esque guitars and gang vocals repeating "I held a torch for you/but you blew me out". Ambient background noise and breakbeat drumming expand the sound further and almost make up for the dreary sounds that came on the previous track. Third and final track 'Latin Holiday' is the highlight; though apart from the last 30 seconds it too manages to dodge the frantic fun that would lift it high.
When the dust has settled, having rarely been disturbed, there is an overwhelming desire to check that what has just been heard is not the result of the disc running at half speed. Certainly listenable, but whether or not it is pleasurable is another question entirely.
Graham Drummond
Post War Years Myspace
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