Celebration - Albumin '2014

Tracks list

Tracklist
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01. Razors Edge
02. Tomorrows Here Today
03. Walk On
04. Blood Is the Brine
05. 7Sensei
06. I Got Sol
07. Solstice Rite
08. Chariot
09. Only the Wicked
10. Dont Stop Dreaming


After the release of their second 4AD album, 2007s brilliant The Modern Tribe,
Celebration took a break from being at the whim of a record label. Instead, they
issued their 2010 album, The Electric Tarot: Hello Paradise, via their own
Friends Records. The bands newfound independence stretched to their music, which
incorporated soul, psychedelia, and pop in even more freewheeling ways than
anything theyd done before. For Albumins release, Celebration teamed with Simon
Raymonde and Robin Guthries label Bella Union - a pairing that makes sense,
since the bands delicate side is more than a little reminiscent of the Cocteau
Twins -- but the bands fourth album is just as mercurial as their self-released
output. Following Hello Paradises lead, they take their massive sound in
directions that show they can do much more than glowering post-punk and glowing
dream pop. As always, Katrina Fords huge but nuanced voice is the star, but Tony
Drummonds keyboards are a close second, evoking carnivals, horror movies, and
outer space at different points on Albumin. The album opens with a trio of songs
that outline its ambitions: bursting to be heard, Razors Edge begins as sleek,
Goldfrapp-y synth pop before morphing into proggy rock thats downright anthemic
- a Celebration first. Written as a present for the birth of drummer David
Berganders son, the hopeful Tomorrows Here Today marries the bands trademark
shimmer to cheerful, Feist-like pop, but Celebrations intensity keeps its
sweetness from seeming treacly. Meanwhile, Walk On borrows from girl group pop
and gospel, transforming it into something equally fresh and traditional.
However, the bands ambitions to do more with their music sometimes result in
them doing too much; on Blood Is the Brine, which melds 50s piano pop with acid
rock, and the bluesy jam I Got Sol, intriguing ideas fail to jell into anything
focused, and its easier to appreciate the musicianship than the actual songs.
Celebration return to their roots as the album draws to a close, with the
storming Chariot serving as a reminder of former showstoppers like Hands Off My
Gold (as well as how glorious Fords dark side is), while Dont Stop Dreaming
makes for an idealistic finale. Even though Albumin doesnt quite hold together
as a coherent statement, its a densely packed, often fascinating work and a
welcome return. ~ Heather Phares

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