 | Tracklist:
1. The Night
2. I've Always Known
3. Hanging Around
Release Date: 01/10/2012 | |
|
On 1 Lists
|
| Summary: Straightforward indie-pop, or is this something more? |
On her first EP and second overall release as a solo artist, former vocalist of The Pipettes Rose Elinor Dougall gives us a glimpse of what to expect from her psychedelic approach to indie-pop. At only three tracks, The Distractions EP may serve as just that - a prelude of sorts to hold us over until her yet-to-be-announced forthcoming sophomore LP. However, you shouldn’t let the title deceive you. This extended play still has enough captivating moments to warrant attention from fans of Dougall as well the casual alternative music listener, making a splash with its rich atmosphere and powerful vocal performance.
Distractions starts off at its heaviest with ‘The Night’, a track that executes a careful balance between Dougall’s slower mesmerizing verses and distorted electric guitar riffs. The drumming contributes to its flow with excellent transitions and tempo changes, while the final minute showcases a dynamically ambient hard rock/metal instrumental solo that sets the bar high for the remainder of the EP. Even though neither ‘I’ve Always Known’ nor ‘Hanging Around’ are able to live up to that expectation, they still add a dimension of accessibility for a more informal listening experience. ‘I’ve Always Known’ is easily the catchiest song on this record, with its love lost theme in the chorus, “just go, go, go back into her arms.” The guitars are decidedly less involved, resulting in more of a crisp, listenable air that is almost a complete contradiction of ‘The Night.’ ‘Hanging Around’ is the closest Dougall comes to finding a middle ground between the two styles, although it also ends up being the most forgettable following the experimental vibe of ‘The Night’ and the infectious nature of ‘I’ve Always Known.’ Despite this, Dougall is able to deliver a vocal performance that resonates well beyond the record’s conclusion, making it a simple but effective closer for an album that has its feet in multiple camps as far as genres are concerned.
As a whole, The Distractions EP may end up being nothing but a tease, showing a spark of something truly special with ‘The Night’ and then snuffing out that flame with the other tracks’ straightforward approach. If Rose Elinor Dougall hones in on the creative aspect of her sound, she may pleasantly surprise in the future. If she treads the road of pop music, she may find herself enjoying a lucrative but ultimately undistinguishable career. Whatever the case ends up being though, the talent is clearly there - and that is enough to make Dougall an artist worth keeping an eye on as we eagerly push forward into 2012.
|
| Recent reviews by this author | | | |
Album Rating: 3
Just a quick write up to bring this to people's attention, plus it is free to download here:
http://www.undertheradarmag.com/news/rose_elinor_dougall_releases_free_ep
Digging: mewithoutYou - Ten Stories | | |
She's called Dougall, so I'll almost certainly give this a go :-P
Digging: The Walkmen - Heaven Digging: The Walkmen - Heaven
| | | Album Rating: 3
Agree with the review, First Track is so spot on...
then noticeably downhill after that.
Digging: Josh Garrels - Love and War and The Sea In Between Digging: Josh Garrels - Love and War and The Sea In Between | | | Album Rating: 3
That's what I thought too but the more I listen the more the other 2 are growing on me...hmm...
| | |
Hm, this sounds pretty nice. Do you think I'd like, Sowing ?
Digging: Suis La Lune - Riala Digging: Suis La Lune - Riala
| | | Album Rating: 3
It's one of those albums I could see a lot of people "liking" but not very many "loving" it. It's free though, so you know what my recommendation is.
| | | Album Rating: 3
Yeah, and it's only like 12 minutes. Check it out.
"Hanging Around" is probably my favorite of the three. The choruses, the bridge and the outro guitar solo are all excellent. I just don't really care for the verses that much. Sounds better with each listen though. Cool little EP.
Digging: Garbage - Not Your Kind Of People | | |
i've been fasting from indie pop lately cause it's not getting me enough tail, hence I'll probably have to forgo this one
nice little write up and all though
Digging: Spraynard - Funtitled Digging: Spraynard - Funtitled
| | | Album Rating: 3
Indie pop gets plenty of tail with girls who don't know any better because they think it's deep
| | |
Her LP was a lot better
Kinda bummed out by this
Digging: Walknut - Graveforests And Their Shadows Digging: Walknut - Graveforests And Their Shadows
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
Nice enough but i was already getting bored by the end of 3 tracks which is never a good sign.
| | |
a better LP to recommend would be her first solo effort, great indie pop via post punk. this is a so-so EP but i'm happy she finally recorded The Night, so
| | | Album Rating: 3
I try not to recommend albums by the same artist. It's implied that they're similar.
| | |
I liked her first album, it was very neglected as it didn't get the hype that you need nowadays.
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
Not sure about this one, 'The Night' is ok but I lost interest after that, pretty forgettable stuff.
Nice review though, Sowing
Digging: Dot Hacker - Inhibition Digging: Dot Hacker - Inhibition | | | Album Rating: 3
i can dig this
Digging: Of Monsters and Men - My Head is an Animal Digging: Of Monsters and Men - My Head is an Animal | | |
|
Stumble
Digg
Twitter
Del.icio.us
