Hot Shots II (2001, Regal)
Welcome to the 21st century. Eventually. What does a 21st century record sound like? Well, it sounds like this. It's understandable that the Beta Band were so pissed off that their debut album sounded like it was made in the Sixties; let's face it, most Sixties music sounds really boring. But this record is a deliberate departure from 'The Beta Band', and follows on from where their last mini-EP ('To You Alone') begun.
The way the Betas mix simplicity with complexity is, for
me, what makes great music; complexity forged from simplicity. Equally
all the tracks are obviously built from the drums and bass upwards. 'Broke's
dub-garage shuffle is one of best uses of a drum machine you're likely
to hear. The Equally variety is a key to this record; the two-chord
guitar rhythms of 'The Three EPs' merge effortlessly with sampling
and 'technology'. This record always sounds organic, never stale and always
fresh. Like bread, except not.
One of the things which the Beta Band possess, and many
other acts (like the Manic Street Preachers, for example) lack, is a sense
of humour. But while at times in the past their chirpiness has seemed irritating,
as have the sodding pots and pans, this record is resolutely not idiotically
comical or silly. Still, the closing track, 'Eclipse' is deliberately funny.
It's a very hard thing to make a record which makes you smile without being
annoying. Generally most comic bands suffer from the fact that the listener
can't really emotionally engage with anything beyond saying 'Oh, that's
quite funny'. The Beta Band tread a fine line on this, but here they come
across as genuine; Steve Mason doesn't sound smug but rather like he cares
about what he's singing about.
The Beta Band are what music should sound like
in the 21st century. I'm not saying everyone should sound like them, but
rather that it's about time that more bands followed their example; to
make music which isn't either generic, or a post-modern mishmash or a couple
of genres, but is instead new, modern music; uncategorizable and brilliant.
Do you hear me, Nicky Wire?
#LINKS#
Their
are many things I like about this record. I like the way it doesn't do
any of the things it should or shouldn't do. The trademark Betas mantra-like
songs structures are used to great effect and make a refreshing change
from verse-chorus-verse songwriting. The way the songs shift all over the
place without sounding incongruous is masterful. There are few bands around
which are so good at making songs with so many different moods.
way
the Beta Band embrace 'dance' beats is refreshing. At no point to the guitars
or melody take over and leave the rhythm behind. Because rhythm is where
it's at. Baby.
Beta
Band Official
Slow but good site, and as you might expect a little
heavy on the images.
Unofficial
Beta Band
Basic, but a darn site faster than the official site;
also has some good guitar tablature
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