Do you ever wish you could just sit down with a band and talk with them about their record? You know, get a little more insight into their inspiration, their connections, their sentiments. I know I have many times…
…just imagine…
Me: Hi, nice of you coming all the way to Glasgow just to talk to me about your new record, Forget the Night Ahead. The Twilight Sad: Of course, anything for you, Eric. You’re only like the best reviewer in the world.
Me: Why thank you, but let’s get down to business, shall we? I’m going to be blunt, I didn’t really enjoy your record.
TTS: Bu-
Me: Now calm down, let me explain myself before you start shouting at me in a slightly obnoxious English accent. I can’t help but feel you fell a little short. I mean, your 2007 debut Fourteen Autumns and Fifteen Winters was successful. The Kinks, The Arctic Monkeys, similar indie rock had undeniably been done before.
TTS: Well yes, we went for a much darker, gloomy sound on Forget.
Me: I know what you mean, Forget has a much more atmospheric feel. I felt like you did a great job at skipping the BS and getting right down to the core of your sound – the dreary vocals (which were superb, for the most part, James Graham) and lyrics combo that is the crutch of this album. By the way, where’d this sadness come from, James? Did your dog die during the making of this album?
TTS: Well the word “sad” is in our name, to begin with. But yes, actually you’re correct, though that’s beside the point. With Forget the Night Ahead, we set out to create a much more subdued, well-orchestrated, and aesthetic album that also managed to be obliquely dark. And truthfully, it sounds like every point you!’ve made so far supports that position.
Me: Good point… actually, instead of the easy comparisons to The Arctic Monkeys, Maximo Park, The Libertines, I felt like an Interpol comparison was much more applicable.
TTS: We would agree.
Me: On second thought, I may appreciate this a little more than I let on. Also, the random instruments (i.e. fire extinguisher?!) really help to further the mood and ambience that is ever-so-present here – and no, I’m not just saying that because you’re sitting here.
TTS: So what gripes do ya have, mate?
Me: Let me finish. First of all, what the hell is “Scissors?”
TTS: Oh, that made it on the record? Bloody hell, that song is awful. We were going for the whole “My Bloody Valentine shoegaze thing” but failed miserably.
Me: I would agree, it really ruins the rhythm you build with the predecessors “I Became A Prostitute” and “Seven Years Of Letters.” The sparse instrumentation on these two is a nice touch. I felt like the opener, “Reflection of the Television,” your anti-commercialism anthem, took the guitars a little too far.
TTS: “Anti- commercialism?” It was literally about the reflection of a television.
Me: Seriously?
TTS: No…
A derisive comment ensues, sparking a fistfight, which I win with ease, of course, and everyone sits back down.
Me: Okay, now that that’s over, I have a few more problems. Simply put, this is not an outstanding release. Mainly because it was too easy to draw comparisons to similar English indie rock acts and the like. You succeed fairly well at the whole “Oh, we’re really sad, let’s create sparse, gloomy music” thing, but let’s be honest, it’s been done much, much better before.
TTS: Well, thank you, those are all completely fair and accurate assessments. Don’t forget to include the sweeping instrumentation and engaging vocals, even if we were a little afraid to step outside our comfort zone.
Me: I couldn’t have said it better myself. Though, “Scissors” not included, there’s rarely a dud on Forget the Night Ahead. It’s hard for me to pick out my favorite tracks, so why don’t I let you do it…
TTS: Alright, well thanks for having us. We’ll send our best across the pond for ya.
Our favorites, and the ones other people should definitely check out are…
Recommended Tracks:
I Became A Prostitute
Seven Years Of Letters
The Birthday Present
The Neighbours Can’t Breathe
Disclaimer: No, I didn’t actually talk to this band and they didn’t actually say these things. This was entirely fabricated for reviewing purposes. If you thought this happened, you should do some long, hard, thinking about the possibility of being an idiot. No offense.
Overall Grade: 85% B
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