One thing's for certain: the Unbelievable Truth's lead singer, Andy Yorke, sure can sing his heart out. While this English trio's debut may receive attention solely because Yorke's brother is the acclaimed lead singer of R... more »adiohead, Almost Here stands up quite well on its own musical merits. A particularly evocative soft-rock ensemble, Yorke, Nigel Powell, and Jason Moulster have cobbled together a calm, moving collection of hauntingly melodic songs. Yorke's rich vocals practically glow with a seductive melancholy that gains much strength from the band's rich tapestry of guitars, keyboards, and percussion. On "Higher Than Reason" his voice soars dramatically over a delicate arrangement of fanciful British pop. Gentle and hypnotic, this is one album of extremely sad songs that you shouldn't miss. --Mitch Meyers« less
One thing's for certain: the Unbelievable Truth's lead singer, Andy Yorke, sure can sing his heart out. While this English trio's debut may receive attention solely because Yorke's brother is the acclaimed lead singer of Radiohead, Almost Here stands up quite well on its own musical merits. A particularly evocative soft-rock ensemble, Yorke, Nigel Powell, and Jason Moulster have cobbled together a calm, moving collection of hauntingly melodic songs. Yorke's rich vocals practically glow with a seductive melancholy that gains much strength from the band's rich tapestry of guitars, keyboards, and percussion. On "Higher Than Reason" his voice soars dramatically over a delicate arrangement of fanciful British pop. Gentle and hypnotic, this is one album of extremely sad songs that you shouldn't miss. --Mitch Meyers
Forget what you know or what you think you know........
Steven Draa | Pine Mtn. Club, Ca United States | 12/28/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"About all that you have heard regarding this band and the comparisons to RADIOHEAD. They do not exist! Everyone seems to think that this band would not have made it (if you consider what they have done "making it") if the singer was not the brother of the lead singer of RADIOHEAD. Well, simply put, this is a stupid way to view things. Aside from gene pool similarities, there are none. This band stands upon it's own merits. The song writing is stellar! The vocals are soothing and chilling and peaceful. The lyrics have a depth that is missing in 98% of todays so called music.Forget trying to compare them to other bands. The whole..."if you like so and so, you will like this band" is stupid. Buy this record regardless of who or what you like. Throw all expectations out the window and buy this record! It matters NOT if you like Neil Diamond, or, Coldplay, or the Verve, or Zeppelin, or Earth Wind and Fire............. this band has something in every song for every song lover.Well worth the time and effort to find this band.Steven.......age 32/ Hockey #21"
Subtle and beautiful
Thessaly | Australia | 04/23/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Like many people, I bought this CD because the lead singer, Andy Yorke, is Thom's brother. Let's face it, there are not many Unbelievable Truth fans who were not previously Radiohead fans. Still, unfair comparisons aside, Almost Here is a gorgeous album. I thought I was taking a bit of a risk buying it, but I was pleasantly surprised. "Pleasantly surprised" is quite an understatement, actually. It's not really much like Radiohead. When Andy holds a note for a few seconds you can hear the relationship to you-know-who, but the music itself is really quite different. More folksy, more oriented towards love songs, a different sort of poetry. It reminds me more of the very early Matthew Good Band, or Coldplay, perhaps--only much sadder, more haunting. Coldplay is nice enough, but somewhat forgettable. Almost Here is far more powerful. At times it sends chills down your spine. After it's finished you don't want to put anything else on because it would break the spell. The first few songs are excellent. When listening to the album for the first time I was afraid they might have put their best songs first, as so many bands do, leaving the last half of the album comparatively bland and disappointing. But here's another pleasant surprise. It actually gets better. The last few songs are some of my favorites. Particularly "Building". Truly, Radiohead or no Radiohead, music doesn't get much better than that. It may be the fact that Andy is Thom's little brother that influences you to buy this album. But the fact that Andy is Thom's little brother is NOT what will compel you to play the album over and over again. As, no doubt, you will. Enjoy."
It's about time
Steven Draa | 06/09/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's nice to finally hear a male voice do the "sensitive, vulnerable thing." It's good thinking music, good quiet music, good fill-you-up music. If you like Sarah MacLaughlan and Natalie Merchant, this is your male alternative. The songs are deep, the lyrics are gripping, and the talent is overflowing. This music is like an understanding friend, a shoulder to lean on. You walk away from listening to this feeling full and a bit wiser. It's good time and money spent."
Simply Stunning
Greg Crighton | Johannesburg, South Africa | 12/29/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This rates in my top ten albums of all time. No other album has touched my soul like this one. I was living and working in London the year this was released (1998) and I read a review somewhere that described it as "Crowded House for Intellectuals". Nothing could be more accurate. This is an album that will make you celebrate everything in life the one day and philosophise and wallow the next. It hits a raw nerve every time - no matter how many times you have heard it before. I went on to buy all the singles from this album and every time I was pleasantly surprised - they have b-sides that are absolutely stunning. What a pity they went their separate ways after the second album, but I can say that they have sure left their mark in my heart and my mind."
Little brother of Radiohead? The answer is: No
RadioMad | VENRAY, - Netherlands | 09/23/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Unbelievable Truth's lead singer Andy Yorke, might be Thom's little brother, but this doesn't mean they're a Radiohead rip-off. Absolutely not. In fact, Unbelievable Truth's music is much more mellow than Radiohead's. Almost Here, their debut, consists of very sweet easy-tuned songs (not meant for people who only listen to hard rock / metal). Great tracks such as 'Solved', 'Forget About Me', 'Building', 'Settle Down' and 'Stone' prove this band is not a one-day-fly. Well, maybe they are, since the band split in 2000... but that doesn't mean they will be forgotten. Of all three Unbelievable Truth albums, this is their best. The other two albums (Sorrythankyou and Misc.Music) are beautiful too, but miss that typical Almost Here-'vibe'. If you're into Coldplay, you'll love this band.
If you're into Radiohead, you might love this band.
If you're into good music, this is your band!"