Link: Echo & The Bunnymen
The Inside Pulse:
Is it possible that Echo’s echo is outlasting the original? With this release, the reunion is now five albums and eight years long. The band’s original run with Sire has been matched in terms of both longevity and output. Of course, the question is if the crystal days have been matched in terms of quality, and the answer is a resounding “sort of.” This release sounds like it was intentionally designed to package a few songs that will sound good next to the band’s classics in concert rather than break any new ground. But this band has lasted long enough to have the core elements of its sound come right back in style, so why mess with what works?
The execution is flawless aside from Ian’s slightly, but noticeably aging voice. In fact, the execution is good enough that you really wish the band chose to move in a direction other than home. Most of the songs are comfortable reminders of what makes “Crocodiles,” “Ocean Rain” or even the 1987 self-titled album excellent catalogue buys, but nothing here replaces the originals or offers anything else to recommend a celebration. In the end, I can see some radio plays for the new songs and fans who are looking for more of what they love will be happy to welcome songs like “Stormy Weather,” “All Because of You,” “Of a Life,” “Siberia,” and “What If We Are?” By my count, that roughly half the album and worth a purchase for those that can’t get enough Echo. For the rest of us, aside from a couple nice tracks that stand on their own merit, it’s “Bring on the Dancing Horses” because we’ve seen this act before.
Positives:
The sound is still there and some cuts fit very nicely alongside the best of previous albums.
This kind of romantic pop is in vogue and there’s no reason one should worship at the Coldplay altar while ignoring the worthwhile effort this band continues to make.
It’s good to see they can still put an album of new songs that aren’t embarrassing, and in fact, earn forgiveness for the really regrettable solo/band(minus)charismatic lead singer releases following the first break up.
Negatives:
“Something got me thinking tonight about changes, changes. Somebody bought me a ticket tonight, dangerous, dangerous.” Didn’t lyrics like that die with the Mighty Lemon Drops?
It’s not really new. At all.
There’s a lull in the middle and the disk is a far more enjoyable listen if you skip three or four songs of your chioice.
Cross-breed:
It’s a clone of Echo & The Bunnymen version 1.0, but for those without the prior experience, feel free to imagine a cross between Coldplay and the Doors.
Reason to buy:
You’ve heard a couple songs and have really connected with them, or you already have the Sire albums. Everyone else should start with the classics before picking this one up.
