Originally written by Matthew Willson · 7 August 2000
The Czars
Before but longer
Label: Bella Union Release Date: 07/08/2000
The simple beauty of "Before... but longer" becomes apparent right
from the first track, swelling from a simple atmospheric guitar
backing with calming intense and melancholic vocal harmonies.
This second album from the Denver 5-piece encompasses many
influences, all held together by the pure-sounding voice of singer
John William Grant. The band would seem hard to categorise - on
"concentrate" they combine the minimal post-rock ethos of bands
like Low, with country tinges and chilling piano atmospherics,
while later tracks like "zippermouth" and "gangrene" mix jagged
rhythmic rock with smoky intense vocals. And this leaves space for
some beautiful acoustic songwriting and vocal harmonies on "get used
to it" and the catchy alt-country pop of "what I can do for you".
Overall it really is hard to dislike the album - there's something
on there for everyone, from swelling rhythmic post-rock, classic
songwriting skill and lo-fi atmospherics right through to the sparse
electronica of "pressure" and the acoustic Patsy Cline cover which
ends the record. And while many of the songs could make it purely
as instrumentals, they're all accompanied by beautiful vocals which
fit in seamlessly and really make this record special. Judging by
this, their debut on the Bella union label, the Czars look set for
great things.
• 8 Matthew Willson's Score