Search - Adrian Borland :: Cinematic

Borland's back !!!

09/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Cinematic is a fifteen song, 64 minute CD that doesn't outstay its welcome, doesn't lose the plot towards the middle of the second half and -believe it or not-leaves you with the feeling at the end that you want to hear the whole damn thing over again. Not something that can be said of many of the 60-minute-plus CDs released these days... It's a wonderfully varied and inventive collection, individual songs leaping out on first and second listen, from the shimmering acoustic ruminations of the title track ("no-one can see the film that you star in/ they won't pay the price to come in to your cinematic life") to the tense guitar and programmed percussion of Neon And Stone. Long Dark Train is a movingly delivered plea for judicious use of your vote at the next general election, but manages to keep it subtle. Another stand-out track. Heading Emotional South, is a painfully incisive account of the end of a relationship; ground that's covered regularly but rarely this effectively. Musically, it's sparse and chilling, lyrically it's painfully on target: "I know this sinking feeling, that salt water sting/ 'the bottom line I'm underneath it/ I hang on every word you say." 'the whole album rings with the realisation that when things are looking bad they may just get even worse, but that if you can retain some of that youthful hope and naivety, you will carry on. 'this is certainly not a depressing record, it's just not that simple. What it is is a rewarding collection of songs that I think you will find yourself returning to again and again."

Another glowstar of Adrian Borland

09/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here is the story of a young English punk from the '70s and his travails in the music biz over the next 20 years. Working in near anonymity with bands such as the Outsiders, the Sound and Second Layer, our hero remains resolute in his effort to bring honest, heartfelt and challenging records to a small group of dedicated followers. Ultimately, he settles on a solo career and sets his sights on spreading his message to the denizens of America. Cinematic in scope, sound and lyrical content, this album is everything you'd expect from a cultured cult artist such as Borland. On "Bright White Light," lyrical and musical tension build simultaneously. Guitars chime, and imposing electronics provide atmospheric nuances while Borland's emphatic chorus lays it on the line: "At the heart of destruction lies the soul of discontent/And a bright white light will blind you in the end " Issues involving struggles with identity, world-weary ambition and the concessions of simple survival are sung righteously with that salty, British post-punk flavor. Everybody is a star, but Borland's cinematic life is well worth watching."