Bat-Bike - Getting Back

This is a great progressive rock album, with the lengthy sounding 'Leicester Holiday' needing some sitar but otherwise making me desire a healthy bowl of curry. The vocals on 'Sean Lemon' made me think of Whitney Houston meets Sonic Youth, which makes a lot sense considering this project's heavy influence from 80's New Jack Swing. There's a great throbbing bassline that would have turned this into a killer single during the boy band era of the late 90's. 'In Zero' has a loose, psychedelic feel right out of an obscure Quentin Tarantino film with John Travolta, but the lyrics are straight out of the Pink Floyd psych-pop playbook.

All in all, I wished there were a couple of club bangers featuring Beyonce that I could put on with my bae when we go out in the Prius, but when I want to return to 1967 and shoot up heroin, this is the soundtrack for reliving those days.

8.3 out of 10

I thought there was sitar in it? :confused:

Batty, Pet_Sounds, DJ, just a heads up: can you think about the album you want to pick? There are a few weeks left but it's nice to get the queue all sorted and ready, plus if anyone wants to get a head start on later albums it's handy for that.

Nowadays there's so much, it's understandable.

Bat-Bike - Getting Back


No idea what to call this besides just experimental rock I guess. First I heard some kind of country, then noise rock, and the album just went in even more directions after that. Dug it pretty nicely though. I'd need more time with the album to say much intelligent about it, but the variety is intriguing and fun, so I'll definitely give this a like.

Bat-Bike - Getting Back

1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?

I really like the first track. It has a sound that I have always enjoyed, kind of like progressive or droning swamp rock. I love gradually increased intensity over several minutes when done like this.

2. What did you think of the opening track?

Same as above, really liked it.

3. What did you think of the next track?

I thought we were gonna be in for a bit of a chill instrumental track - and would have been fine with that - but it kicks into gear after a few minutes. And I liked that even more.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions? (see note 1)

I have enjoyed many vocalists in this style for a while and I guess he is added to the list.

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not? (see note 2)

Yeah I love the music. The swampy garage vibe is my shit.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?

I think this is my third time listening now, and maybe the the first time sober so I can't really compare the experience. But I know I have liked it every time.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?

I'm not big on lyrics, but they certainly weren't off putting. Man shouting about silly things is my musical equivalent of glancing eye contact with a pretty girl.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts? (see note 3)

To my recollection there weren't too many instrumental parts outside of intros and outros. Maybe I am wrong, but as stated earlier I enjoyed the music. So I guess I will have enjoyed any instrumental sections.

9. What did you think of the production?

Seemed good.

10. Did you know of this artiste prior to listening to the album, and if so, did that foreknowledge colour your perception of this album?

Unless these guys are associated to other bands I am aware of, I can't say I knew anything about them.

11. Is this, generally, the kind of music you listen to or not?

Yeah I love this kind of shi.

12. Assuming you listened to the album more than once, on repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?

I would guess I enjoyed it more.

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?

I loved the first two. Alone on the A9 was another stand out for me

14. And the one you liked least?

I didn't really have a least favourite.

15. If the album in question is a debut, did that fact allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated? (see note 4)

Nope.

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing more from this artiste, if you have not heard any of their other material?

If they have other stuff I'll look for it. And hope they release more.

17. Were you surprised by your reaction - positive or negative - to the album?

Not really. Frown generally likes good music and I knew pretty much straight away that I would like it.

18. Did the album end well?

The last track is very good. But I do think the album would have been better if a few of the shorter tracks were cut in favour of longer more fleshed out versions of the better tracks.

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?

See above.

20. Do you think the album hung together well, i.e. was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?

Not necessarily "hit or miss", but the tracks became a bit less cohesive towards the end. But overall the sound is rather cohesive and the vibe resonates throughout.

8.5/10

Kinda reminded me of Blur's "Tender", just not britpop.

And assuming everybody hasn't already heard this, this'll be my entry...


Patsy Cline - Showcase

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...l_Showcase.jpg

Bootsy Collins - Tha Funk Capital of The World

https://img.discogs.com/LJz_iq3NxTCw...07706.jpeg.jpg

Well now you're even further backed up, as bob's album is up for review by Saturday.