Beatifics - The Way We Never Were

  by Andrew Carver

published: 3 / 11 / 2002

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Review

Right from the first track of 'The Way We Never Were', the raison d’etre of the Beatifics is clear:  Guitar jangling, tambourine shaking, harmonising power pop. Primarily the vehicle of songwriter Chris Dorn and a notoriously revolving backing crew, the Beatifics have been turning out short, sharp and occasionally sugary songs since the mid-'90s. 'The Way ...' shows a taste for variety; there are acoustic tones on 'February,' a countrified riff on 'The Only One', and the fuzzed out 'In The Meantime.' There’s also a somewhat experimental 'Pt. 2', a brief burst of wordless vocalization, heavy beats and choppy editing. Excellent production also lets the diverse elements of each song stand out; on 'When it’s whenever', for example, the acoustic strumming, strings, percussion, bass and electric guitar can all be heard clearly behind Dorn’s sharp tenor. A winning combination good songwriting (with something of a temporal focus) and quality musicianship sweeten the pot. Fans of Arlo, Mayflies USA, Teenage Fanclub, Jason Falkner, Matthew Sweet and the Posies will find the Beatifics make welcome company for their other faves.

Track Listing:-

1 Sorry Yesterdays
2 After All
3 February
4 The Only One
5 When It's Whenever
6 Different Stars
7 In the Meantime
8 Between the Lines
9 Pt. 2
10 Outro