Good Books - Control
So... NME have classified them as the "Best new band in Britain"? As they no doubt did The Cribs two albums too late or other "newcomers" Interpol- dismissing their brilliant first release Antics. Fickle market out there. Surprisingly, Good Books are actually quite good. With a name sparking all kinda insinuations, the band release their new single 'Passchendeale' on the 16th July, followed by hugely anticipated debut album 'Control' on the 30th.
The beginning of the album just passes me by, yet in a good overwhelming way- before I knew it, I was six tracks in and the spectacle of the opening had taken over. 'Beautiful to watch' is quite possibly the best album introduction I have heard for a long time. A certain Bloc Party twinge continues onto second track 'The Illness' filled with eccentric repetition and intense drum beats- definitely guitar based pop at its best. Max Cooke's vocals at times, almost find the lad stepping into Athlete territory, a unique variety on Joel Pott's chilling yet content verbalism. But unfortunately, the strong market these guys are entering does not pick up those that fall, and as the rest of the album continues, you have to start to wonder whether these guys have what it takes.
The first five or six tracks are really really good. Proper indie pop with an intense, passionate three minute feel to them. But as the album progresses, you begin to lose interest. It isn't as good as the Pigeon Detectives debut, nor is it a patch on the Klaxons fantastic 'Myths of the near future'. I think the boys have got something special, with album highlights 'Beautiful to watch', 'The Illness', 'Passchendeale' and 'Walk with me'- hence why it's actually quite disappointing for me that the rest of the album doesn't match up to the same standards. I was blown away by the first three tracks, sympathizing strongly with the First World War martyr Jack, who lived no longer than 25 years of his life for the "War that would end all wars". Songs like this got me- chiefly as hindsight proves wars are popping out underneath our eyelids. Aptly named album you would presume as Control ultimately leads to greed and power struggle. It isn't as though Good Books are trying to gain control of anything themselves- instead insinuating what control does to people.
There isn't much else to say about this release. I loved the beginning but found myself almost turning off the end four tracks. Next time- perhaps reliant on the opening is not the way to go. Back to the library boys.