CELESTE

The Soundcarriers' debut album, Harmonium was very well received, having successfully channelled the spirit of vintage prog and psychedelia - prompting widespread comparisons to the likes of Broadcast, Stereolab, David Axelrod and assorted other touchstones of sophisticated, retro-centric cool. Celeste doesn't tamper with the formula too much, and if anything it's a tightening and a honing of The Soundcarriers' craft. Very of-the-moment allusions to kosmische sounds are evident in motorik opener 'Last Broadcast', which of course also stirs up references to a certain Birmingham band who share many of this group's preoccupations. 'Signals' more directly evokes the spirit of Broadcast, however; it's quite brilliant, carrying slightly spooky, witchy undercurrents within its intricate arrangement. 'Broken Sleep' is another terrific melancholy pop number that carries a funk-fortified spring in its step, while 'There Only Once' with its harmonised vocal leads and woodwind excursions comes across like something that might have featured on the soundtrack to some low budget Brit exploitation flick from 1971. Elements of acid folk and jazz-inclined musicianship enter into these tracks, which elevates them above the status of mere retro pastiche, and even on preliminary playthroughs it becomes clear that this band are becoming something quite special. (Article paru sur le site Boomkat)