Search - Broadcast :: Tender Buttons

My new favorite record

A. Trythall | Pennsylvania | 10/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First off, I'm not sure where some of the negative reviewers of this album are coming from. I've only heard their previous record, which does have a significantly different sound than this one, but a few have described this album as some sort of descent into white noise and experimentation. This is hilarious, because this album is from start to finish a melodic delight.



The overall sound of the record is dominated by the fuzzed-up synth leads and ethereal female vocals, while simple drum-machine programming and what sounds like baritone guitar comprise the rhythm section. Hovering in the background supporting these other elements are often more textural synthesizer sounds, which must be the "atonal" elements that some complain about. Rather than dominating the mix, however, those elements simply add some interesting textures to the songs. Even though some of the individual elements are fuzzy and occasionally "noisy," the overall sound is peaceful and cloudlike.



Down to only two members, this band is certainly a different beast than the one that recorded their older albums, but if you look at this album as a synth-pop project rather than a live band, I think you'll find it very rewarding. If this isn't the Broadcast that you fell in love with, give it another name, and enjoy it for what it is. Because it is a delightful record."