Search - Beta Band :: Heroes to Zeroes

A masterpiece by a band that deserved far greater recognitio

Piers Moktan | Khorsor Elephant Stable, Nepal | 07/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"it really is tragic that such a talented band with such obvious commercial appeal never achieved the success they deserved (and yet so many generic rock bands of far lesser talent and creativity are reaping dividends merely as a result of the corporate promotional machine). No lesser luminaries than Radiohead and Oasis declared The Beta Band a major new talent, but by the time the tellingly titled `Heroes to Zeros' was released, this Edinburgh band probably knew that this would be their swansong. Soon afterwards their justified frustration led to their dissolution, with singer Stephen Mason going on to develop his excellent King Biscuit Time project. Perhaps their creative perfectionism was part of the problem-they are even renowned for criticising their debut album before its release. But then again they had pioneered an incredible pastiche sound that seamlessly merged influences as disparate as The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Madchester, Grunge, Hip Hop and god knows what else. But rather than resulting in a clumsy hybridity, it worked to produce a sound that is that of The Beta Band and no one else. This album has it all- songwriting, composition, musicianship, production- every aspect a triumph. So why have I only just discovered The Beta Band? Well I guess then, that they need more people singing their praises, and even if they are defunct, ensuring they receive the accolades they are due. Can a hero be super without adulation? The comic characters on the cover of this album deserve it, so give it to them!"