Search - Clientele :: Bonfires on the Heath

The Clientele - Bonfires on the Heath

Andrew Vice | Plano, TX | 10/07/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Clientele could really be referred to as "Old Reliable." You can always count on them to put out a good record of mid-tempo moody tunes, but just don't expect them to step outside of their fairly narrow comfort zone. Bonfires is a very nice (and likely final) addition to a solid collection of Clientele records, but there isn't anything particularly new on this record. But frankly, if you're thinking about buying this album, you're not expecting anything new, are you? No, I didn't think so. This is a record for the fans, and if you're a fan, you'll dig it. If you're not a fan, check out one of their older (and more dynamic) records, like God Save the Clientele or Strange Geometry, which both manage to cover more ground while still being very much what the Clientele do."

Nice album, not their best

raccioly | São Paulo, SP, Brazil | 11/18/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This, the newest Clientele album, is very nice, but unfortunately not as great as Strange Geometry or Suburban Light. Then again, not many albums are... This one is a solid effort, deserving of your time and attention. Though the album as a whole isn't as good, there are some tracks on par with their best work - try and listen to the opening track, I Wonder Who We Are, and track 3, Harvest Time (both available on the net as free downloads, which shouldn't be surprising, since they're also two of the best tracks here). Recommended for Clientele fans; if you haven't got their other albums, the aforementioned Suburban Light and Strange Geometry would possibly be better starting points."

More Autumnal Serenades

armenianthunder | los angeles | 10/07/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Just in time for the fall, the Clientele's fourth full-length album brings more of the dusky, fragile dream-pop that they have perfected throughout the last decade. Yes, there are still long early-evening walks through the heather, lots of different types of light reflecting off of various objects, and general odes to all things pastoral (I could be wrong, but I don't believe there is a single Clientele song that doesn't mention trees or leaves). There is still Alastair Maclean's quintessentially English voice, and his deft, quietly jangly guitars, the subdued but steady rhythm section, and melancholy melodies that insinuate themselves into your brain, and nestle there to hibernate through the winter. Highlights include the spooky title track, "Never Anyone But You," "Jennifer & Julia," and "I Know I'll See Your Face."



So, if you like these guys, you will like this album, and if you're new to the band this is a decent place to start, but it may be hard to top their previous effort, God Save the Clientele or Suburban Light, their excellent debut collection. Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Clientele is the way they synthesize decades of the very best of English pop and folk music, from early touchstones like the Fab Four, the Zombies and Syd Barrett, on through Nick Drake, XTC, The Lilac Time and the Smiths, to the more twee-leaning bedsit-poppers like the Field Mice and Felt, and even the shimmering Kiwi psychedelia of The Chills. So if you're a fan of any of those bands, this--as well as any of their other albums--is obviously recommended.

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