State Broadcasters
The Ship and the Iceberg
Electric Honey EH0902
Released: 2009
In our little furry paws, we have the first album from Glasgow band, the State Broadcasters. It's not edible so perhaps putting it in the old CD player would be a good idea…
The band lead off with an ace in "Let's Make T Shirts" for this is a song that would surely earn a place in the soundtrack of any remake of that damnable film "Gregory's Girl". I mean, you just can't hate it however hard you try. I know you're thinking things have gone a bit soppy and twee pop and we're only one song in. You're not entirely wrong either. The sound is mellow and sweet throughout and the performances are appealing but there is a bit of acid hiding in there. The State Broadcasters are not really going to challenge more "angular" bands like The Felt Tips but "Grass Stains" does bite a lot harder than most of the songs on show here. It has to be said that the more up-tempo songs like "Our Favourite Park" don't really convince although it is reasonable to assume that they will be more effective in the live environment.
Whilst not an album that will challenge you, "The Ship and the Iceberg" has much to commend it. Musically, it's far more ornate than you would expect from a Glasgow band and it does manage to convey that feel of a cosy electric blanket very effectively. Worth a listen or ten.
Bluesbunny
Rating
State Broadcasters
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