YOUNG TEAM

This one took me a while to really get into but now that I do like it i'm not sure why the attraction wasn't instant. I particularly like the mellower passages, especially the added flute that couldn't be better as far as i'm concered. And the band seems to constantly developing soundscapes on this record as they slowly build only to eventually crash or recede.

"Yes! I Am A Long Way From Home" opens with someone speaking for a minute before a laid back melody arrives. It starts to build 3 1/2 minutes in and the sound is quickly full 4 minutes in. It sounds great ! The song ends with someone speaking. "Like Herod" is still somewhat laid back but heavier. The bass is good. It quietens down almost to a whisper when bang ! At 3 minutes it explodes violently. This contrast happens a couple of more times. I actually was bracing myself for it the last time it happened. Haha. "Katrien" features a person speaking while the soundscape is building. 1 1/2 minutes in we are really cooking ! There is such a good rhythm 4 minutes in. Nice. "Radar Maker" is made up of reserved piano melodies. "Tracy" opens with the sound of two guys talking on the phone to each other. This is another favourite as the beautiful soundscapes build slowly. The song ends with the same two guys on the phone talking. "Summer (Priority Version)" has some good bass, with a powerful soundscape a minute in that is contrasted with the mellow sections. "With Portfolio" has some slowly played piano to begin with as various spacey sounds in the background build until that is all you hear. This is loud. That was different. "R U Still In 2 It" features gently played guitar as words are spoken. The sound is building. We get actual singing as the song settles back down. By the way Aiden Moffat is the guest vocalist and Shona Brown is the guest flute player.

"A Cheery Wave From Stranded Youngsters" is a catchy yet reserved tune.The piano is dark on this the shortest song on the record. No time to build in this one. "Mogwai Fear Satan" in contrast is the longest track at over 16 minutes. This is my favourite song on the album. The first ten minutes feature powerful melodies with fantastic drumming and ripping guitar. These are contrasted with the pastoral sections that include those beautiful flute melodies. If the first ten minutes are incredible, and they are, then you have to check out the final 6 minutes. I can't tell you how much I love this final passage. Even though it's repetitive and lasts for 6 minutes it could be twice that long and i'd be even happier. Yeah, i'm a Krautrock fan and as long as it sounds this good I say "keep playing it". The flute is again heavenly as are the guitars and drums. It's this final song with the fantastic drumming that makes me wonder if these guys are Krautrock fans.

I know i'm a MOGWAI fan and this is a must-have in my mind.

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