Day One - Probably Art
by Peter Allison
published: 8 / 12 / 2007

Label:
One Little Indian
Format: CD
intro
Uninspiring and repetitive second album from Bristol-based trip-hop duo Day One
Hailing from Bristol, Day One’s debut album , 'Ordinary Man', was released in 2000 to widespread critical acclaim. Their long-awaited second album, 'Probably Art', finds them continuing with their trip-hop style. Not having heard Day One before, I was almost expecting something inspired by '24' (given that each season of '24' is called a "day"). What I found instead was what can be best described as "ditty rock", and generally uninspiring nasalesque vocals from singer Phelim Byrne. While there was a strong rhythmic quality to the lyrics, not dissimilar to Pulp at their height, I found the overly repetitive nature of their subject matter had me wanting to scream “WE GET IT ALREADY!” (most notably in 'Little Things'). Day One's grungy urban tales have qualities not dissimilar to street poetry, and had some moments of merit especially with the guitar work on 'Who Owns The Rain ?', and their humorous take on modern art on the title track. These were sadly an exception to the rule in an otherwise uninspiring album. If you enjoy Pulp or Scouting For Girls, then Day One’s 'Probably Art' might be for you. But for me, a lack of progression in the lyrical narrative, and mediocre vocals left this reviewer wanting more.
Track Listing:-
1 Bad Before Good2 Cosmopolita
3 Feet Firmly On The Ground
4 The Little Things
5 Saturday Siren
6 Now I'm A Little Older
7 Money
8 Give It To Me [feat. will.i.am]
9 Travelcard Traveller
10 Probably Art
11 Who Owns The Rain
12 Time To Go
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