Beta Band - Hotshots Part 2

  by Maarten Schiethart

published: 17 / 12 / 2001

Label: Regal
Format: CD

intro

Exclusively releasing albums in the summer, The Beta Band raise temperatures for a second time. The advance single caused a bit of a stir, but sufficient signals got through, The Beta Band weren't i

Exclusively releasing albums in the summer, The Beta Band raise temperatures for a second time. The advance single caused a bit of a stir, but sufficient signals got through, The Beta Band weren't into repeating the same old format. For 'Hot Shots II' The Beta Band parted company with Chris Allison and the second album is produced by C-Swing, asked in because of his work with a.o. Jamelia. It on the majestic 'Hot Shots II' that the sometimes silky C-Swing touch proves to be the one to be. With harmony and percussion lifted into clarity, The Beta Band confidently experiment with song structure, relying on beats to create a solid sound . Folky psychedelic rock breakbeat jugglers, The Beta Band build on the mighty sound from their debut. of 'Broken Up A Ding Dong'.There is no more lengthy meandering. On the first album, The Beta Band started with a rap on champagne at EMI HQ, while 'Hot Shots II' finishes with the line "no pizza for them"... Still, their orientation towards the breakbeats decorates the Betas ' edgy songs with joyous elegance. Outbursts are allowed, but are harsh yet funky. Comparing at times to The Fall, the Beta Band have also turned to lounge and psychedelic pop. By holding themselves back,the Beta Band have very much benefited 'Hot Shots II'. I quite prefer this to 'Kid A'. 'Hot Shots II' is a matured blend ; exotic, refreshing, and innovated.

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