 |
SIAN ALICE GROUP "59.59 charts transformations from psychedelic rock, pastoral folk, and piano-lounge balladry into analog-synthtronica, free-jazz breakdowns, pounding Afro-tech grooves, and avant-classical composition. The beauty of Sian Alice Group is that the band is capable of creating highly effective music even when they stray far from traditional torch-song territory." - Pitchfork “Stunning debut album....59.59 is a record that is incredibly arty, but never self-consciously so. It’s one second under an hour of uniquely uncategorizable music that is full of light and shade - from white noise to birdsong, tribal rhythms to classical piano. It manages to be both understated and grandiose, but always breathtaking. ” – NME “An astounding album, quite unlike anything one’s heard before." - All Music Guide As work began on London-based Sian Alice Group debut full length 59.59, it became clear early on that it would not simply be a collection of songs. The music that they have brought to bare is a much more fully realized experience that moves through traditional pop songwriting and dynamic instrumental composition while being tempered with studio improvisation. The title of the record comes from its running time and, as this suggests, 59.59 manipulates elements of texture, pacing and timbre as if it’s one sweeping composition. It is an epic record that showcases the talent, range and ambition of this young group, taking in elements of various genres and making them their own. At a time when the musical landscape seems inundated with derivative retrogressive guitar bands, or acts reliant on sequenced beats and oscillator knobs, Sian Alice Group’s more classical inclinations show their willingness to tread their own path. At the core of Sian Alice Group are multi-instrumentalists Rupert Clervaux and Ben Crook who formed the band along with vocalist Sian Ahern in late 2006. 59.59 was recorded and produced predominantly during the summer of 2007 by Clervaux at Sian Alice Group’s central London studio where the group are able to enjoy complete self-sufficiency, enabling full flexibility in their creative process. As a testament to the open and collaborative nature of Sian Alice Group, the group welcomed other musicians in to the studio including Jesus & Mary Chain's Douglas Hart and, for the album closer ‘Complete Affection,’ were joined by John Coxon (Spiritualized, Spring Heel Jack) on guitar and Brian DeGraw (Gang Gang Dance) on lead piano. Sian Alice Group have received a number of lazy comparisons to Shoegaze music, something that they should shrug-off with ease after the release of this album. The stylistic range of 59.59 is way more far reaching than such a reductive comparison would imply and further brings to mind references such as Arthur Russell, Angelo Badalamenti and Steve Reich. The album even features a song, ‘Motionless,’ that is inspired by the music of legendary Detroit techno pioneer Jeff Mills, and loosely based on his track ‘Solid Sleep’. |
Catalog Number: TSR062 Tracklisting: FOR MORE INFO All Tracks Listed In Blue Are Linked To A Downloadable MP3 |