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Bricolage released their self-titled album earlier this year in the UK, but little fanfare made its way over to the United States, aside from a little bit of bubbling press; rest assured that Bricolage is an up-and coming act that will surely win you over upon your very first listen. And let’s not all act surprised that this is yet another solid band hailing from Glasgow.
Here you find a band that is ready to make guitar music you can dance to, and they do it in the most straightforward fashion that you have to be enamored by everything that they do. The second track, “Flowers of Deceit” brings to mind the boot-stomping moments from early Franz Ferdinand records, but in a much less post-punk sort of way. Guitars are a little bit warmer, as if each chord is struck with a little bit less anger/more affection.
Something sunny this way comes. “Footsteps” is just another track that exemplifies the swinging emotion of the band. Layered guitars and precision drumming bring to mind the poppier moments of bands such as The Lodger or Mystery Jets. All these bands use warm vocals to counter the angular guitars; you can’t help but roll down the window and let the music carry you down the road.
Let’s not think that this band is nothing but a modern dance troupe as they have the ability to carry a classic pop ballad along the way, such as “Plots are for Cemeteries,” which seems to use a bit of tropicalia in the overall crooning aesthetic. “Sleepwalk to Me” is similar in that it slowly maneuvers along, progressing without ever really picking up the pace. Even in the slow moments the band can catch your attention.
“Turn U Over” is an obvious single, instantly ready for your best dance party, at this late moment in the album, it makes you look back at the album as a whole; the album is full of great moments and great songs from start to finish. The latter half of the album packs as much punch as the first part of this album, and the only thing that detracts from this entire collection of songs is that you might find that the band walk the same line for much of the album, but using multiple vocalists allows enough strength to each song that you never get the feeling that the band is retracing their steps. Bricolage is just another reason we should all move to Glasgow.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/02-flowers-of-deceit.mp3]
Download: Bricolage – Flowers of Deceit [MP3]
You may not have herad of Neverever just yet, but then again, you might have heard of them, and never ever known it. The group, comprised of Jihae Simmons and Wallace Meek used to go by the name Champagne Socialists, and Wallace was in one of my favorites, Bricolage. Now, they have Neverever, a sweet little classic pop group based in LA. I’ve been playing this bouncy little number, with its warm “ooohs” floating over it, all morning long. You should too. Their debut Angelic Swells will be out May 25th on Slumberland Records. Another jam, “Young and Dumb” is available HERE.
