By Jake Paque
Now that Muse has finally gotten some respect here in the states, here’s hoping the next group to break through to the red, white and blue is the woefully unheralded British duo Turin Brakes. The pair have been dishing out their unique brand of alt-folk-pop-storytelling albums for a decade now and I can count on my two hands the number of my friends that have even heard of them. This means one of two things; either their North American exposure is excruciatingly lacking, or I need to get out and make new friends. Smarter ones. Who listen to more music. British music. Like…alt-folk-pop-storytelling type music.
Their latest full length release, Outbursts is another high quality record that harkens back to some of the earlier success they found on their albums Ether Song and Jackinabox. Both of those albums are sound from beginning to end with some serious knockout tracks (Ether Song: ‘Stone Thrown’ with its phenomenal bridge and ‘Pain Killer,’ a UK top 5 hit. Jackinabox: ‘Fishing for a Dream’ the standout single and ‘Forever’ a haunting love song). Dark on Fire, the album preceding Outbursts felt a little forced. Its production was seamless, it had gems and deep cuts (‘Last Chance’, ‘Time Waster’), but it faltered at times and is home to some of TB’s (that’s Turin Breaks, not tuberculosis) weaker lyricism (‘Something in My Eye’s’ verbiage sounds like something written by Flight of the Conchords). With Outbursts, Turin Brakes glean the positive from Dark on Fire and regain their stride. They dish out a spectrum of guitar driven folk songs and rocking jams that propel the album to and through their ballads.
The first track out of the gate and first single off the album, ‘Sea Change’ was built to be cranked on the freeway in late summer with your windows open (not that I own a car, but I could rent one and do this). ‘Rocket Song’ features Gale Paridjanian exhibiting his range with a beautiful verse melody that has the listener at the edge of their seat. The sleeper track on this record is without a doubt ‘Radio Silence.’ When the electric guitar comes crashing in two-thirds of the way through, it felt as if the entire album had been building up to that moment. That crunching guitar sound collapses on you like tidal wave and leaves you wanting more as the instruments eventually fade out. It was reminiscent of Mason Jennings going electric on Blood of Man; something we didn’t know we’d always been waiting for. Just as the break down in ‘Radio Silence’ leaves us in pieces, the closing tune and title track Outbursts rebuilds us and leaves us in a fugue state wondering why we’re two stops past where were supposed to be on the subway.
So…
Dear Reader,
If you don’t know Turin Brakes, check them out. If you have a love/middling interest in indie-alt-folk-pop-rock (did I just add the indie part? I think I did.) Turin Brakes could become your next obsession. They have an amazing discography and a unique sound that has evolved beautifully over the years.
If you do know Turin Brakes and are already a fan but don’t own Outbursts, go buy Outbursts. It’s effing good and you’ll spin it at least five times the day you get it.
If you do know Turin Brakes and you already own Outbursts…well…thanks for reading!
Love,
Jurassic Paque
PS – Before I bury this piece I’ve gotta say, a band’s maturation is a complex thing and Turin Brakes are one of the rare bands that continue to hone and develop their sound while maintaining the integrity of what’s at their core; compelling stories, tight harmonies, introspection and of course the mainstay, songs about love.
PPS – While you’re all getting into Turin Brakes, or buying Outbursts, or ignoring this review completely, I’ll be at the Irish Rogue at 356 West 44th, because I think I heard them play a Turin Brakes song there once. I’ll be trying to make new friends. Super smart ones. Who love Brit-rock. And are beautiful (if possible).
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