Another not quite Radiohead style record.
Judging an album by a cover is not the wisest of ideas but with Immune, the elaborate and slightly disturbing artwork informs the listener that there are some deeper meanings going on. With computer failure, war and broken human / android hybrids all clamouring for attention, the sense of self-importance with a story to tell is evident before a note is played.
Opening with instrumental 'Ask', the feeling is akin to waiting in an underground train station as the noises whistle by you but nothing stands out. It's an inauspicious start that is kicked out of its malaise by 'Human' which jerks to life and introduces the vocals.
The vocals have that strained edge to them, so beloved of Thom Yorke et al and the feeling is that Immune would like to be considered in the same vein. There is also a hint of Mansun in the vocals and music, and given that acts penchant for the grandiose, perhaps they influenced Immune. There is a spacial quality to the music with a lot of gaps being filled by light percussion or passive instrumentation which serves to showcase the built-up choruses in a stronger light.
With the exception of the book-end tracks (both instrumental fillers), every song lasts for at least four minutes and again, there is the suggestion that Immune are trying to grasp a sense of grandeur and epic-ness. That their record sleeve not only attributes lyrics and music but also the concept of the record, would suggest that this is not going to be the new album by Jet.
That's not to say it's all mournful and wallowing. 'Monkey' has a computerised soul and has lurching guitars that shake off some of the flatness. The sparse yet thumping drum sound meshes well with some keyboard sounding wizardry and the track follows on to its natural conclusion.
A long album by current standards, the problem is that the record merely meanders around and doesn't go anywhere. Individually, each track has its moments or segments and would be likeable on a one-by-one basis but as a collective, there is too little going on over too long a time period and in the end, nothing grabs the attention as much as it should. For instance, the brass section in the first half of 'Sum' adds some great melody but by the time of the following track, it can be forgotten about.
Immune come across as good musicians and the live shows are likely to be atmospheric and extremely enjoyable but with a bit of editing and pruning back, a good solid album could have been an extremely enjoyable record. Its not a write-off and there are many worthwhile sections to consume but as a complete piece, it fails to excite.