Grappling Hooks
on KScope/released March 2010
What have The Beta Band, Pink Floyd, Madness, The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, Genesis, Flaming Lips, Gary Numan, Porcupine Tree and the Knack got in common? They appear to be just some of the influences that North Atlantic Oscillation have allowed into their music and all I can say is - WOW!
This is possibly the most amazing thing I've heard in months. It's like dreaming about all my own personal musical favourites having a jam session. From the opening track all the way through to the end it's just a melange of superlatives and from a three-piece to boot. There's something about trios that appeals to me, especially in rock circles, and this just lifts you up, smashes you about and then throws you into the earth at a million miles an hour. It's prog, post pop rock, ska bananas with a touch of weirdness and wibbling thrown in for good measure. It reminds me of drugs - good drugs; the kind of drugs that leave you in a corner having the time of your life with the sound of a microwave and a fridge.
They're from Scotland. This album came out a year ago. I'm really angry I didn't check it out sooner. They're on the same label as Porcupine Tree, Engineers and a host of other bands you should have in your record collection. Grappling Hooks could be the best album you buy this year. NAO could be your next favourite band.
5 out of 5
No comments:
Post a Comment