3:47 E.S.T. [AKA: KLAATU]

Klaatu are a strange band who encompass a range of styles and cannot work out what type of band they want to be. "3:47 EST" is a peculiar oddity from Klaatu that really is a mixed bag of styles that range from utterly brilliant to utterly dull.

It begins with the absolutely awesome calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft, that we may have heard covered by The Carpenters. I prefer their sunshine vocals with all the effects; the DJ addressing the chilling whispering aliens on the radio was an inspiration that jolted me as a teenager. This original version is still very good with excellent harmonies and creative time sigs and melodies. It is the best thing on the album by a mile.

California Jam is a terrible 70s flower power thing with harmonies sounding like early Sweet or the worst of the bubblegum pop scene of the 70s.

Anus of Uranus has an infectious little riff driving it. The vocals are subdued and thin, but there is a tough guitar motif. It becomes a little repetitive and tedious after a while. No variation in style or melody really, and in need of a makeover. The lead solo is Ok but nothing special.

Sub Rosa Subway is an upbeat track, with Beatles like vocals, a strong melody and harmonies. It is a bit corny with the brass section and rather sugar sweet harmonies and silly lyrics.

True Life Hero has a tough riff and some very cool vocals. One of the highlights of the album, it pulses along a strong riff and defined vocals. The instrumental break is just plain weird, with strange time sig and odd blend of keys and guitars. This one grows on you on every listen.

Doctor Marvello may be one of the reasons people were of the opinion that the band were the Beatles in secret. This one sounds like John Lennon's vocals even featuring the sitar and quirky lyrics; "and now we're fine". The harmonies are Beatles like as are the brass embellishments. It even has the Strawberry Fields flute sounds; a real psychedelic oddity and another highlight.

Sir Bodsworth Rugglesby 3 is a strange title for a track but it is actually an innovative ditty with quirky music and old style raspy vocals, sounding more carnivalesque than anything on the album. Think Mack the Knife in a carnival atmosphere and you might be close. It is a real fish out of water here, quite Monty Pythonesque and OK for a first listen, but not one I like to return to. Skip to:

Little Neutrino is the longest track beginning with creepy alien sounds, and continues gently with very soft keyboard sounds and wind howling effects. The synth melody is OK, but it is the bizarre robotic vocals that jolt on this one. It sounds like Stephen Hawkings singing. It ends the album on a relatively sombre note, once again completely different sound than anything else on the album and too long for its own good.

In conclusion, this is a wildly experimental album and features some innovative moments that are hampered by dull spots and simply silly ideas. It is worth a listen for at least 4 great tracks so deserves at least 3 stars.

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