Strange metaphors and a choppy melody ensue as a wall of guitar sound is built up to the point of sudden dropout, infectious and true to a dizzying pace: there are sonic squeaks as fingers slide on the fretboard to send guitar FX haywire, and a bleeping conclusion. ‘International Love Affair gets the debut album from Double Six’s second signing THE LAUREL COLLECTIVE off to an absolute flier!
Percussion versus synth sounds signify the build up to the far sighted and rhyme-laden anger of ‘Gun Mouth’, whereas the Wurlitzer handclapping sound of ‘Vuitton Blues’ sees the energy space out and dream whilst maintaining the powerful undercurrent of their sound. Vocally, syllables are chopped and then allowed to flow, leaving you hanging on for dear life, the butterflies and the euphoria increasing with every twist and turn. Harmonies are arranged over the middle eight.
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Acoustic melodies are churned out on the electric instruments, before tracks explode, disintegrate or catch fire only to be resurrected or reincarnated ‘Seasick Sailors’ is a real and relentless ‘Phoenix from the flames’. The voices collide over howling rock n roll and the panic attack tempo refuses to let go of your stomach as it hits the floor.
The bass-heavy reverb of ‘Hercules’ makes for melodic and dreamy mythology, whilst the psychotic depth of ‘Billion Planets is brimming with atonal mystery. This record is an eight-track treat for the ears, and a strong introduction to these melodic pacesetters. Great stuff!
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