Chandeliers - The Thrush
by Maarten Schiethart
published: 7 / 5 / 2008

Label:
Pickled Egg
Format: CD
intro
Initially unassuming, but slow growing jazz-influenced new album from young Chicago avant-garde group, Chandeliers
Sometimes one could believe greater forces were at work. Just after receiving the electronic 'Music for Lampings' album, came this new album on Pickled Egg from Chandeliers. And indeed 'The Thrush' relates to 'Music for Lampings' like a paraffin candle does to an electric lightbulb. 'The Thrush' , as an album, or rather an EP, considering its modest 28 minutes length, is jazzy, yet snappy and due to a 1970's tarnish initially seems pleasant but unchallenging. Bridging the gap of math rock and Chicago's very own jazz music, Chandeliers, however, perform more than just a jolly, mostly instrumental flow of smart tunes. This is an uplifting and positive affair, without a single trace of superficiliality. Still unpretentious, it dares to trod on funky pop tracks with the same ease and grace. Dominant keyboards build a basis for a showcase of styles that blended well, hence the grand feeling that 'The Thrush' transcends with elegance. The CD includes videos to three of the tracks, 'Bamboo', 'Mr Electric' and 'Pesto'. The first features shadow dancing ballet in black and white - simple, effective and erotic. The other two feature images which suit the linear patterns in the songs with graphics, that similar to the album's sleeve, reflect its structures.
Track Listing:-
1 Mr Electric2 Maldonado
3 Mango Tree
4 The Thrush
5 Big League
6 Gold Rush
7 Bamboo
8 Grafitti
9 Body Double
Label Links:-
http://www.pickled-egg.co.uk/
reviews |
Dirty Moves (2010) |
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Rough and edgy, but compelling combination of jazz, post-rock and freeform on 33 song second album from Chicago-based experimental project, Chandeliers |
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