The cream of Manchester? Well probably not, but at least that will allow these doleful miserabalists to pursue those heady twin glories of fame and longevity that have so far eluded much of what has come out of Manchester.
Based for the most part around the spiralling Dove-like single, ‘Further’, Longview’s anonymously titled debut album is clearly NOT drawing inspiration (or indeed, perspiration) from the break-neck vibrancy of the garage rock scene. Serene, contemplative, insular and more autumnal and showery than a month of Sundays in November, it’s an album full of tinkling and meditative pianos, swelling guitars, excruciating chamber (pot) orchestras, splashing cymbals, leaden skies, and densely layered vocals. Not quite Coldplay, not quite the Verve, not quite the Radio 1 A-List. And not quite memorable enough.
Recorded not surprisingly during the winter months of 2002 with Rick Parashar’s studio in Seattle (Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains) and mixed by Donnas, Hole and Greenday mixman Chris Lord-Alge, the album isn’t without its merits (‘I Would’, ‘Still’, ‘Will You Wait Here’) but it is hindered by a veritable mulch of unremarkable variations on a theme and pompous orchestration. Great for the American and European markets – but not eclectic enough to satisfy good old bonkers Anglo tastes.
The fact they’ve toured with the similarly difficult to place (and market) Mull Historical Society speaks volumes – as good as he is – they are – whatever.
End of term report? Big sounds, big ideas – making satisfactory progress. May do very well next year.