British Sea Power – Waving Flags
Related Artist:
British Sea Power
Release Date: 07/01/07
Label: Rough Trade
Rating: 6/10
'Waving Flags', the first single from British Sea Power’s third album, sees the band drift away from their past of expansive post punk, which has earned them an almost cult status, to a more melodic style very similar to that of Arcade Fire. The searing guitars and the harsh, breathy vocals form the basis of this epic song. With melodic choirs and sublime reverbs there are clear references to Arcade Fire’s own unique sub-genre in rock. With such an uplifting feel to 'Waving Flags' it is evident that this band is close to breaking into mainstream after their previous two albums which failed to capture the general public’s interest. However with Arcade Fire’s recent album 'Neon Bible', 'Waving Flags' is hardly original.
The power chords and the eccentric references to former Soviet-ruled countries give a hurried feeling to 'Waving Flags' as if they are escaping from the grasp of behind the Iron Curtain and into the freedom of the democratic west. And according to singer Yan, the band wishes their new record to integrate different cultures so everyone can learn from others.
Despite such obvious links to Arcade Fire, 'Waving Flags' is good enough not to be overlooked as a not-quite-as-good copy of the Canadian band. The fluidity and warmth of 'Waving Flags' is a positive sign of what’s to come in the forthcoming 'Do You Like Rock Music?'
Guy Purssell
British Sea Power Official Site
British Sea Power Myspace
Buy British Sea Power CDs | Buy British Sea Power mp3s | Buy British Sea Power Tickets | Buy British Sea Power Merch
Release Date: 07/01/07
Label: Rough Trade
Rating: 6/10
'Waving Flags', the first single from British Sea Power’s third album, sees the band drift away from their past of expansive post punk, which has earned them an almost cult status, to a more melodic style very similar to that of Arcade Fire. The searing guitars and the harsh, breathy vocals form the basis of this epic song. With melodic choirs and sublime reverbs there are clear references to Arcade Fire’s own unique sub-genre in rock. With such an uplifting feel to 'Waving Flags' it is evident that this band is close to breaking into mainstream after their previous two albums which failed to capture the general public’s interest. However with Arcade Fire’s recent album 'Neon Bible', 'Waving Flags' is hardly original.
The power chords and the eccentric references to former Soviet-ruled countries give a hurried feeling to 'Waving Flags' as if they are escaping from the grasp of behind the Iron Curtain and into the freedom of the democratic west. And according to singer Yan, the band wishes their new record to integrate different cultures so everyone can learn from others.
Despite such obvious links to Arcade Fire, 'Waving Flags' is good enough not to be overlooked as a not-quite-as-good copy of the Canadian band. The fluidity and warmth of 'Waving Flags' is a positive sign of what’s to come in the forthcoming 'Do You Like Rock Music?'
Guy Purssell
British Sea Power Official Site
British Sea Power Myspace
Buy British Sea Power CDs | Buy British Sea Power mp3s | Buy British Sea Power Tickets | Buy British Sea Power Merch
Comments
stoppinga
05 Jan 2008, 11:43
05 Jan 2008, 11:43
Feeble review, more an attempt to mention Arcade Fire as often as possible. This song (& the album) towers over Neon Bible's juvenile take on the world. And what's with "eccentric references to former Soviet-ruled countries"? This is a .co.uk site, hasn't the author noticed there are one or two Poles in the UK these days? It makes the newspapers, oh, every day. As for "the Iron Curtain and into the freedom of the democratic west." Which century is he living in?
albear
14 Jan 2008, 09:28
14 Jan 2008, 09:28
What i fine really intresting in this review is that he has failed to menton Arcade Fire site BSP as one of there influances.
so bangin on about it being copied semas a bit of an academic exercise.
Just listen to the music which in the case of is one of the best tracks i have heard in a long time with a smooth flow and a nice catchy rythem, watch out for this come festival time.
so bangin on about it being copied semas a bit of an academic exercise.
Just listen to the music which in the case of is one of the best tracks i have heard in a long time with a smooth flow and a nice catchy rythem, watch out for this come festival time.