Out of the art room and into the studio.
Ah, what would the world be like without experimental music? In the days when chicken tasted like chicken and Radio 1 was home to the cutting edge, one could listen with amazement, awe and, more often, confusion to John Peel's show where he would broadcast music that you previously wouldn't have believed could exist. Who would ever have thought that you could put a kazoo solo in a death metal track? Mental. While experimental has lead to the more interesting bands of the past fifteen years (Radiohead, The Go! Team, Le Loup et al) it has also produced some of the biggest heaps of shit since the dinosaurs. We listen intently, trying to find the point before boredom sets in and we realise that this person shouting while hitting a wood block with a spoon is as good as its going to get.
Listening to the opening track of 'White Devil's Day Is Almost Out' puts you firmly in mind of this latter situation. The out of tune guitar and stupid, repetitive lyrics do not stir up feelings of amazement but annoyance that this is even making its way into your ears. Its almost enough to kill the album from the starting block. Which is a real shame because Neil Burrell has served up something of a rough diamond. Challenging it may be, but there is something compelling and, yes, rewarding here.
In fact, a lot of the songs on 'White Devil's Day Is Almost Over' are pretty conventional. They all follow simple timings, have simple structures and arrangements and all fall in under four minutes. What Burrell does that is rather clever is add the spice of offbeat singing or an out of place chord that reminds you that you are not on sure footing. Its an inspiring choice to make and one that keeps you sucked in. Boring this isn't. 'Laughing Child' disturbs with its maniacal approach, 'Canoe' is a wistful and folksy piece of escapism and the album's closer, 'Evelyn' will reinforce that you have just listened to great piece of art.
Its a shame that Neil Burrell decided to open his excellent album with such a confusing and pretentious song. First impressions are everything and it would be a shame if people did not want to listen any further as they would be missing out on something new, fresh and compelling. Status Quo fans would be well and truly lost with what's goes on in 'White Devil's Day Is Almost Over' but those who find modern art of value and only watch The Culture Show on TV will be in for an absolute treat. If you're between these types then its down to whether or not your feeling brave.