published: 30 /
5 /
2009
Label:
Planting Seeds Records
Format: CD
Well-crafted fourth album from Australian band the Lovetones, which creates a rich psychedelic pop evocative of the 1960s while maintaining an indie rock sensibility
Review
On 'Dimensions', Australia’s the Lovetones frontman and principal songwriter Matthew J. Tow creates a rich psychedelic pop evocative of the 1960s while maintaining an indie rock sensibility. 'Dimensions', the fourth studio album by the Lovetones, combines one well-crafted track after another. With introspective lyrics and beautiful soundscapes, Tow’s songs fully engage the listener from start to finish.
While the Lovetones released their debut “Be What You Want” in 2002 to critical success, Matthew J. Tow actually joined Brian Jonestown Massacre for a period of time in 2003. Tow contributed two tracks to the Brian Jonestown Massacre including the brilliant “Starcleaner”. Furthermore Lovetones supported Brian Jonestown Massacre on tour in 2004 and 2006.
The talent of the Lovetones, Tow, Matthew Sigley, Serge Luca and Chris Cobb, is abundant on 'Dimensions' as the band creates a surreal experience from the opening chords. The disc opens with psychedelic guitar feedback and electronic noises. An eerie sound like something from astral outer space washes over the listener. The effect of 'Moonlit Suite (Her Room)', an instrumental piece is rhythmic and pleasant utilizing spatial exploration akin to Pink Floyd.
With 'Journeyman', the album’s first single, the Brian Jonestown Massacre influence is apparent. Frontman Tow’s vocal radiates warmth as a 1960s pop feel is captured.
On 'Two of a Kind' Tow writes of lost love with great melodic sensibility. 'Look at the Waves' with it’s easy vocal and flowing instrumentation is somewhat melancholic : “Got to find myself a place/got to find something for me.”
'New Low In Getting High', co-written by Tow and Brian Jonestown’s genius auteur Anton Newcombe, is an album high point. The blend of psychedelic rock and underground pop here combines for first rate hypnotic music.
'Love and Redemption' showcases a positive quality to this music :
“I’m not here for destruction/I’m here for love and redemption.”
'Song to Humanity' combines a gorgeous 60s sounding cosmic melody that cascades over you with heartfelt lyrics of compassion : "We have not done enough for the unfortunate ones."
'When It Comes' is a haunting piece and another one of the disc’s highlights. The cd closes with the bonus track, the Anton Newcombe mix of “Journeyman”, a song worth repeating here : “I can hear a voice in my head telling me the way we must go.”
In the end, the Lovetones fully succeed on 'Dimensions' by meshing together indie rock with psychedelic influenced pop for a very satisfying effort.
Track Listing:-
1
Moonlit Suite
2
Journeyman
3
Two of a Kind
4
Look at the Waves
5
Memory Lane
6
A New Low in Getting High
7
Love and Redemption
8
There is No Sound
9
Song to Humanity
10
When It Comes
Band Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/thelovetones/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Love
Label Links:-
http://www.plantingseedsrecords.com/ho
http://plantingseedsrecords.bandcamp.c
https://twitter.com/psrmusic
https://www.facebook.com/plantingseeds
https://www.youtube.com/user/plantings