Search - Late of the Pier :: Fantasy Black Channel

Genius debut from undenible craftsmen of sound

Jason C. Dickey | Austin TX | 06/02/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although genius may be a word overused by reviewers in the world of new up and coming bands, this latest release from Late of the Pier holds the word to scrutiny. They've poured out a creative potpourri of sounds collected from what seems to be their older siblings childhood-Gary Numan, Devo, Oingo Boingo, Kraftwork, etc.I discovered them at SXSW and they were the only band that sounded different. Their compositional artisanship is very impressive using odd meters( 7/4, etc) and layers of New Wave and electronica sounds complementing descriptive lyrics of personal experience. The album itself is a myriad of sounds and segues that often flow into each other with an interesting abandon and convection, creating a nice old school flow from one song to another album style. Unlike so many other new young bands, Late of the Pier has worked hard on their sound and are intent on shoving it in your face! Love it-fresh, creative, funky and rocking!"

Not Love at First Listen (3+ stars)

Debbie Lee Wesselmann | the Lehigh Valley, PA | 06/15/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"It took me a long time to appreciate Fantasy Black Channel, the debut album from the UK group Late of the Pier. The techno opening of "Hot Tent Blues" turned me off until lead singer Sam Eastgate entered nearly a minute in with his crooning, indie voice. Parts of this CD are truly likeable, and I attribute a lot of that to the appealing vocals.



"The Bears Are Coming" starts off with catchy percussion, but loses its momentum in synthesized gimmicks, one of the problem this group exhibits. "Random Firl" is an upbeat electronic track that finds a better integration between instrumentals, melody, and voice. "Mad Dogs of Englishmen" is reminiscent of late Talking Heads; you can almost see dancers jumping straight up and down in a club. "Focker" and "Bathroom Gurgle" are also memorable.



I suggest listening to sample before purchasing since it takes a certain kind of listener -- one attuned to electronic indie rock and the specific sounds of this group -- to like Fantasy Black Channel. I can hear a lot of potential here -- as long as the group manages to tighten their musicality into something more consistently coherent."

Catches your attention after a few listens - track reviews

Livingston | 08/03/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I let this Late of the Pier album run through a few spins in my CD player, and I feel that the album grew on me from my initial reaction that was somewhat negative.

The album thrives on strong base lines and soaring synth streams that some will find irresistible and others mundane. Overall there are several standout tracks - mostly towards the middle of the disc. These will get you moving with the beat of the music quite nicely. Other tracks are easy to listen to for the most part. Individual Track ratings:



Hot Tent Blues - 4 out of 5: Nice opener that will catch your ear (listen to the sample). Stops somewhat abruptly despite the nice melody that it gets going - soaring opening track

Broken - 4 out of 5: Catchy guitar lines keep this track interesting while a typical beat backs the track. A solid track for the album'

Space and the Woods - 5 out of 5: Despite somewhat off kilter lyrics, this track is a standout with an infectious beat that you will want to keep going

The Bears are Coming - 3.5 out of 5: This track is a mish mash of beats and textures that has a standout synth whine that you will notice in the sample. This is the saving grace of this song for me and I will play it for that small loop. The rest of the track is bearable and entertaining for the most

Random Firl - 3 out of 5: Somewhat lackluster filler track that will hold your attention for awhile with its repeating melody

Heartbeat - 3.5 out of 5: Another fine album track, but not a standout. Guitar driven with a nice synth break in the middle that helps it along

Whitesnake - 3 out of 5: Good guitar hook that fits in with the overall fit of the album. Nothing shocking...

VW - 3.5 out of 5 - Instrumental track that I suppose serves as an interlude for the disc. You will probably skip this one 50% of the time depending on your mood.

Focker - 4 out of 5 - Return to a standout track for the album. More soaring lyrics backed by a layered beat and synth line that really works. Hard hitting and a definite one to bob your head to

The Enemy are the Future - 3 out of 5 - Some sort of ballad that morphs awkwardly into a dancy beat that does not really work for me. This song meanders a good amount but still somehow fits with the tone of the album which itself meanders a good deal

Mad Dogs and Englishmen - 3.5 out of 5: This begins reminiscent of some type of surf rock or of something relating to a 70s tv show. The song does not really go much of anywhere which is fine. Standard form driven largely by the opening guitar line throughout the song. Picks up a bit near the end. Fine album track.

Bathroom Gurgle - 2.5 out of 5: The track follows its strange name. It meanders and wanders much like "Enemy" did, stopping at around 5 minutes before launching into the acoustic led ending which rambles on a bit.

Very WAV: 3 out of 5: Starts off on a strangle mingled note and continues in this manner before launching into a strangely similar track filled with awkward samples that may or may not add to the song according to your tastes. At about 2:40 however one of the more fun guitar lines of the album emerges followed by some flowing keys that will make you listen to this track despite its beginnings.

The Bears are Coming [remix] - unrated - remixes are up to you!



Overall a fine album that meanders and wanders but primarily within predictable limits. Some songs are very catchy and others come off as strange with glimmers in them. Overall a fine album that will at least garner a few listens with more than a couple standout tracks. Not too much filler here, which is what you will find almost exclusively in the top 40 so that is nice.



Cheers."