Turin Brakes - The Optimist

by Maarten Schiethart

published: 17 / 12 / 2001

Label: Source
Format: CD

A couple of excellent singles first drew attention to this excellent band from Nightingale Road. Turin Barkes have released a whole streak of fine songs since then, and The 'Optimist LP' firmly builds

Review

A couple of excellent singles first drew attention to this excellent band from Nightingale Road. Turin Barkes have released a whole streak of fine songs since then, and The 'Optimist LP' firmly builds on that.This comprehensive set of sensitive pop tunes puts the ladder pretty high up for other debut LPS. They sing out loud, and cry out loud, but also can also hold back when it is needed. It is a pompous thing to say perhaps, but Turin Brakes come closer to the Beatles than Oasis. Quite stunningly, all twelve tracks matter here. 'The Optimist' could end up being one of the finest records of the year, beating a lot of bands at their own game at first attempt. There is a clarity in the vocals, which is used to create transparent yet imaginative melodies. Through this Turin Brakes manage to breathe new life into acoustic pop music. With subtle flavours of psychedelia and post rock, 'The Optimist' can't be wrong. This is my first Christmas gift suggestion !

Track Listing:-

1 Feeling Oblivion
2 Underdog (Save Me)
3 Emergency 72
4 Future Boy
5 The Door
6 State Of Things
7 By TV Light
8 Slack
9 Starship
10 The Road
11 Mind Over Money
12 The Optimist