Black Soul Strangers – Animate
Black Soul Strangers – Animate CD (Squeek)
The concept of ‘alternative’ or ‘indie’ rock is constantly shifting, the definition of each seeming both to broaden and to shrink with each passing day, so it is with a combination of trepidation and interest that I sit down to take my first listen to this album from one of the most hotly tipped bands of the moment. Black Soul Strangers… cool name, Irish band (which bodes well in my book), interesting packaging, CRAZY amount of press—and I’m talking big-boy press, NME and Radio 2 and so on. So the music starts, and… yeah, I get it. At first, I’m reminded of a cross between Muse and Placebo. The music seems radio-friendly but is unlike anything that actually gets radio play. There is a definite sense of moodiness, a haunting overtone to everything—and there is a lot going on… sounds bouncing off sounds, sometimes clashing with violent beauty, sometimes meshing perfectly. The classic days of shoegaze come to mind, but with vocals comparable to the ever-amazing Nada Surf, which means instant brilliance. Fan-bloody-tastic. The Impaler
