Rating:  -
This is redolent of a hot summer evening when you get the chance to sit down with a nice cool glass of New Zealand sauvignon blanc, feel the residual heat drain from the day, and your tension melts away and you have one of those "life is pretty good at this second" moments. Not that I have had one of those for far too long, but I look back at those I remember and feel that warm, happy flutter in my chest, and this album is kind of like that.
The lads sound like 2 squeaky schoolboys busking at the chipper but their songs are well crafted and performed and have an emotional purity to them that really packages the album beautifully. That is why after 6 years, I still play this one regularly, whilst Coldplay is gathering dust "on the shelf" (no pun intended). Whilst the comparisons with the aforementioned Coldplay and Travis (and latterly Keane I daresay) are valid enough, this album more than anything reminds me of Woodface by Crowded House, although that album is lusher in production, the harmonious pure pop of it shines though, and The Optimist is a fine recording that deserves a place in anyone's collection.
Rating:  -
An uninspired plate of Alt-Brit-bleh, the album manages enough competency to justify catering to those who don't hear better, though I don't remember feeling anything resembling a genuine emotional reaction until the 11th track, itself an obvious Doves lift.
Rating:  -
Well, what could I say that hasn't been said. I just want to add that the Optimist LP is one of the best albums ive ever heard. The music crawls into you slowly and makes you want to cry because of the beauty of the songs, the mazing voice of Ollie and the acoustic guitars in perfect tune. Its the kind of CD you want to listen while on the road, while reading a good book or when you are feeling a little bit down. Highly recommended
Rating: -
Last summer, I became obsessed with Turin Brakes. They're not as predictably depressing as Radiohead, they've got more of a kick than Coldplay, and they're not as obsessively melodious as Travis. If you like anything about any of these bands, you will love Turin Brakes. Oh, and if you get the chance, definitely see them live. There are too many good songs on this CD. The best is probably "State of Things" a delicious breakup song that starts out, "blindfold me, tie me up or tie me down", followed by "Underdog" and "The Optimist". "Mind over Money" is also understatedly cool. Ignore any bad reviews for this album and just spend the money. You won't regret it.
Rating: -
Beautiful, haunting, perfect, raw, emotional... everything a debut should be. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS ALBUM and I truly adore this band. Their music is like a therapeutic massage. I just wish I had discovered them sooner.
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