Described as an “exhibition of curated works”, this compilation isn’t a ‘best of’ in the conventional sense, instead drawing from the band’s more eclectic, less commercial work.
So while ‘Cell Count’ offers a bit of electronic stomp, it’s tempered by the introspective ‘Glare’ and the Radiohead-like ‘Wires’.
However, Sam Healy’s voice soars nicely at all points and the production makes for an immersive experience. But as a whole it may not act as a quick introduction – the proggy time signatures on ‘Drawing Maps From Memory’ not for the casual listener, while the band’s finest moment – the Grandaddy-esque ‘Some Blue Hive’ – is curiously absent.
Yet while it doesn’t have the feel of a well-connected collection, it is still filled with some memorable and powerful moments. The explosive electronics on ‘Glare’ speak volumes about their musical explorations, and it is tracks like that that help bring this release to life.
A good enough place to start then, but do track down the full albums.
(This review originally appeared in the Burnley Express)