Elly Roberts reviews
The Research: Breaking Up
Distributed by
At Large Recordings
- Cat.no: FUGITLP2CD
- Released: February 2006
- Rating: 10/10
The Magic Numbers have serious competition. The Research
from Wakefield Yorkshire, is a cracking new trio who can match them in
every department.
Two girls, bassist and multi-instrumentalist Georgia Lashbrook, elfin-like
drummer Sarah Williams and a bloke called Russell ‘The Disaster’ Searle - a
make a ‘DIY’ and rather charming album.
Using a £9 rickety keyboard,
apparently bought at Cash Converters, Russell and co have made an album
consisting of old-fashioned pop songs with a genuine organic feel, partly
created by producer John McEntire (Stereolab / Teenage Fanclub) in Chicago,
who favours simplistic methods such a getting the right mics in front of
drums etc.
Strangely, the music flourishes in contrast with the bitter sweet
lyrics – mostly referring to the ups and downs about the old ‘love game’.
Swinging from love to break-ups, it bounces along beautifully. It feels like
anyone could have done this album, but would they dare to? Probably not.
In many ways it’s overloaded with lush three-part harmonies, and ‘humable’
tunes, a nod to Russell’s ‘songbook’ faves like The Beach Boys, The Beatles
and the Motown generation. These influences are focussed on True Love, C’mon
Chameleon and Lonely Hearts - their debut single.
Instrumentally, it’s as
direct as the superbly crafted songs, which would make most radio playlists
(except for the odd swearing, which is a shame and totally unnecessary).
Crowning a magnificent debut, they leave us with a glorious a capella on
Splitting Hairs. Despite these influences, it doesn’t become an obvious
tribute to the 60’s: it’s great songwriting for the 21 century, and greatly
welcomed. Surely, one of the best pop albums of 2006, and should be
recognised as such.
Single – Lonely Hearts (Still Beat The Same) is out Monday 13 February.
The full list of tracks included are :
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.
