The Shortwave Set
If your only desire is to find an album to chill out to on an elusive sunny day then look no further than 'The Debt Collection' by The Shortwave Set. This is an album that epitomises tranquillity and mellowness in its most laid back state. Apparently made in the front room from an assortment of market junk and 50p charity shop records, this is understandably not your average record.
The opening track, 'Slingshot', starts with an irritating cut of a stuck record but once you get over this it transforms into a framework for the rest of the album which is essentially a collection of non - threatening, laid back tunes. The Shortwave Set have created a weird cocktail with this album in which they use music which is reminiscent of Victorian seaside tunes mixed with themes from this century. Bizarre it maybe, but the tracks are undeniably alluring, demanding your undivided attention. With beautifully haunting vocals, 'Is It Any Wonder' and 'Repeat to fade' are two tracks that instantly grab you. This is a group who skilfully use mesmerising harmonies which could challenge the likes of The Magic Numbers. 'Roadside' seems out of keeping to the rest of the album by avoiding the harmonies and instead the band almost talk along to the music which in turn looses the gracefulness that is achieved with the other songs. 'The Debt Collection's' downfall however is it's over reliance on the scratchy vinyl tracks which appear to overlay the songs. The abrupt ending of songs, the scratchiness and intentional jerkiness of the backing track only achieve in distracting you from what makes 'The Debt Collection' a decent album. When The Shortwave Set stick to the basics by utilising their amazing vocals, the simplicity of their musical talents, then it is clear that they are different in a positive way. Unfortunately, at times their attempt to overcomplicate their work has led them astray from what they do best.
Ultimately, this is not an album for the easily depressed. There are no cheery numbers amongst the tracks, no upbeat tunes to dance along to; indeed you would be pushed to find a track to tap your finger along to let alone your foot. Then again, sometimes you need an album to reflect upon life too. The Shortwave Set provides the perfect soundtrack to just sit and contemplate life too. So, sit back and prepare to be astounded by a band who has dared to be different, who at times manages to show great potential but do not expect this album to brighten your day.