European - In a Very Real Sense Now
by Maarten Schiethart
published: 4 / 4 / 2010
Label:
Stolen Recordings
Format: CD
intro
Offbeat and extraordinary debut album from The European, the new electro project of former Piano Magic and Icebreaker International member, Simon Break
"Take the videos, take the CDs, take the DVDs and smash them against the wall!" Ha, a nice way to kick off for this CD and limited edition vinyl album for this former member of Piano Magic and Icebreaker International, Simon Break, who is based in London. The European crashes in, merrily banging his drum. Simon comes to terms with the afterlife. On his own now, he puts together synth pop, lightweight glitter rock, bubblegum pop and indie doo-wop with snap, crackle and bop. Timeless kitsch in the ballad-like 'Wet Dream' reminds of the genius of Jona Lewie. 'Tearaway' is the hymn to a chavette, complete with a church organand dramatic to the max. If our radio hadn't become ignorant, traffic information drivel, this little album would get played all day long. It debuts in one sense, but also already sounds like a 'Best Of' which is an enormous achievement. There are nine tracks and each entirely worth your attention. If he still were with us, Peel would have played all nine tracks at least once, I reckon.
Track Listing:-
1 In A Very Real Sense Now2 I'm Compromising
3 I'm Not Getting What I Want From You
4 The Settler
5 Wet Dream
6 Theme From New Fun
7 Calm Calm Calm
8 Time To Go
9 Tearaway
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Interview (2009) |
The European is the solo project of London-based musician and electronic artist, Simon Break. With his debut album out soon, John Clarkson talks to him about why he prefers to program his own computer software and design his own instrumentation rather than follow more traditional methods |
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Maarten Schiethart