Like shoving two enemies together, forcing them to stand face to
face, Mountaineers get folk and electronic to kiss and make up. And,
as always, rock plays the mediator.
But it is 2004, so don't expect revolutionary results here. You'll
hear elements of Wilco and Radiohead, but you'll also hear talent,
heart and originality, so feeling cheated is not an option.
Mountaineers bring together traditionally disparate sounds —
acoustics, synth effects and falsettos — and make it all work
beautifully and passionately. And to witness such hurdles leaped so
gracefully is thrilling and, ultimately, completely satisfying.
Opener "Ripen" recalls Oasis with its sweeping, textured rhythms,
then throws classic dance beats into the melodic mix. The
electronically-dominated "Sewing" breaks down to funky, squiggly bass
lines, bomb-sized beats and ultra-distorted vocals, while the sweet,
serenading "It's Solid" dishes out Thom Yorke-like falsettos
alongside brooding melodies and spacey effects. The heartbroken "Want
to Write You" will move you with its fragile beats, tearful strings
and honest lyricism: "I know that I hurt you/ Because you hurt back/
And I thought I had reason/ But I'm only a fool/ I need you to know
that I'm still a child/ I love you completely/ So I drive you wild."
Driven by a '60s folk feel, "All My Life" bangs out raw acoustic
riffs and stomping beats, while "Bom Bom" bumps like a low-rider,
boasting big beats, electronic twitching and high-pitched coos. The
uplifting and infectious "I Gotta Sing" jangles, shakes and urges,
wrapping you in bright love.
Like members of the UN, Mountaineers bring musical opposites to the
same table. The result is the rarity that is peace.
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