Closer (GRC)
In The Market

4.0
excellent

Review

by Trif O Liam USER (22 Reviews)
April 11th, 2014 | 69 replies

Release Date: 1998 | Tracklist

Review Summary: A fantastic start for a band destined to obscurity.

It feels unfortunate that in recent years I’ve found myself getting increasingly tired with music. I find myself almost unaltered when I listen to an album no matter how much I may enjoy it. It’s a rare occasion when I finally find an album that has enough in it, that I will end up altered by it in a positive way. It was at this stage when I recall browsing a site that has since escaped my mind and I came across a song by an unknown band named Closer, the song was entitled “Wine”. I put it on and for the three and a half minute run time I found myself captivated by the music, from how fun it was down to the infectious bass work. This song was something special; something that had affected me.

Closer is an Alternative Rock band hailing from Athens, Greece who in their life-span of over 15 years have only released 3 full length albums. They are often overlooked and are unknown in, well, just about any other country than Greece. This is unfortunate as they have such a noticeably original and refreshing style of Slap-bass tinged Alt-Rock and also some interesting vocals from Andreas Melberg who sings in English despite it not being his native language, this makes for some awkward wording at times but ultimately doesn’t affect the album too much.

The first few songs of Closer's debut LP are dark and heavily rely on the atmospheric instrumentation. An example of this atmospheric style is found in the song “In The Desert” in which the indistinguishable vocals are hidden in the background, overcrowded with distorted guitars and harsh drumming patterns and the track works all the better because of this. At frequent times, however, you will see the album branch away from this pattern, such as in the previously mentioned “Wine” which could easily be described as a quirky and fun pop song until you get down to the fantastically loud and engaging chorus which comes out of nowhere hitting your ears with intent to get stuck in your head. Another song that should be mentioned is the almost acoustic “blue pussy” which is sung by an unknown female vocalist beautifully and takes a minimalistic style that is only seen on this track. In The Market relies on catchy and infectious hooks that are able to impact the listener within first listen.

There’s one huge flaw in this album which is down to final song “Morricone” that at 20 minutes long goes nowhere. In its huge run time (taking up 1/3 of the album) it could have easily been cut as the song prior to it entitled, “ecstasy”, would have been a more appropriate album closer. Fortunately in this album there is still 40 minutes of enjoyable and accessible music on offer. In this album lies a variation of styles yet it remains consistent throughout. The instrumentation is exactly how it needs to be and the songs are a delight to the ears. Closer really hit gold with their debut release.

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