Amsterdams - Electromagnetica
by Adrian Huggins
published: 30 / 6 / 2011

Label:
Amsterdams
Format: CD
intro
Mature and slow-burning second album from Romanian-based new wave group, the Amsterdams
The Amsterdams have built up a deserved fan base and reputation since their inception in 2006. They have played all over Europe on both their own tours and festivals, and released one previous EP and full length album. ‘Electromagnetica’ is set to take the band further afield. It has a real maturity and a sense of identity to it. Influenced heavily by the indie-rock new wave sound of the mid noughties, the band have a gentle and patient approach to writing. They employ the usual mixture of guitar, bass and drums, which they have coupled with a sensible and not over-excited use of synths and effects to boost the overall sound. ‘Apologies’, ‘Part of it’ and ‘Telescope’ serve as prime examples of this. Such tunes would appeal to fans of bands such as Bloc Party or Death Cab For Cutie. With tunes like ‘Kids Again’ and ‘On the Run’, there is a strong touch of Arcade Fire and even Kings Of Leon’s newer material in their sweeping guitars and driving drum. Both have a marching quality to them, but a march where the people in the march are taking in all the scenery as they stroll along. ‘Island of Love’ could sit right up there with the best of MGMT’s offerings as it has that modern hippy feeling. This is a really great album that burrows its way into your brain.
Track Listing:-
1 Kids in the Garden2 Apologies
3 Country Holiday
4 On The Run
5 Island Of Love
6 Part Of It
7 This Buriel Ground's For Two
8 Telescope
9 Coalmine
10 Three Is A Crowd
reviews |
Automatic EP (2008) |
![]() |
Slow growing, but highly promising debut EP from prolific and exciting Romanian-based guitar band, the Amsterdams |
most viewed articles
current edition
John McKay - InterviewRobert Forster - Interview
Cathode Ray - Interview
Spear Of Destiny - Interview
Fiona Hutchings - Interview
When Rivers Meet - Waterfront, Norwich, 29/5/2025
Carl Ewens - David Bowie 1964 to 1982 On Track: Every Album, Every Song
Chris Wade - Interview
Brian Wilson - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Shrag - Huw Stephens Session 08.12.10 and Marc Riley Session 21.03.12
most viewed reviews
current edition
Peter Doolan - I Am a Tree Rooted to the Spot and a Snake Moves Around Me,in a CircleGarbage - Let All That We Imagine Be The Light
Vinny Peculiar - Things Too Long Left Unsaid
Vultures - Liz Kershaw Session 16.06.88
John McKay - Sixes and #Sevens
Little Simz - Lotus
HAIM - I Quit
Morcheeba - Escape The Chaos
Pulp - More
Lapsley - I'm a Hurricane, I'm a Woman In Love
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart