A dark, danceable masterpiece
Coogs | Great Mills, MD United States | 10/06/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After their record label filed for bankruptcy, it seemed like The Cinematics might become the best band that never got a chance to happen. But if this second full-length album is any indication, not only have they survived the implosion of TVT Records, but they've emerged unscathed, if not improved.
"Love and Terror" explores challenging themes through dark lyrics like, "Is there a miracle drug that I can get so they can make you better?" all set against a nonstop barrage of catchy hooks and toe-tapping grooves. It could be a jarring juxtaposition if handled poorly, but here it works brilliantly.
The album was produced by the band, so everything sounds exactly how they want it to sound, and the results are remarkable. Layers of guitars swirl together seamlessly, slick drum beats and fills keep the music moving, occasional keyboards add bits of texture in just the right spots, and Scott Rinning's flawless vocals infuse the heavy lyrics with genuine emotion. There are definite 80s new wave influences worked into The Cinematics' sound, and you'd have to be deaf not to notice a touch of The Fixx here and there, particularly on the title track.
Every song here is strong, but particularly worth mentioning is the entrancing "Lips Taste Like Tears," a hypnotic pause in the middle of a dance party. There are a lot of great bands in the UK these days (Muse and Arctic Monkeys come to mind). The Cinematics are emerging as one of the best."