Echo and the Bunnymen ‘Meteorites’ Review; Youth produced ‘Meteorites’ is a solid, if unremarkable, group of songs.
[rating=4]
Echo and the Bunnymen vocalist Ian McCullough remains one of the most immodest frontmen in rock, so when he declares that their new album ‘Meteorites’ is “more edgy than anything I’ve ever done”, you’re allowed an eye roll or two.
And while ‘Meteorites’ fails to meet that criteria it is a sprightly collection of tunes that proves that he and guitarist Will Sergeant still have plenty of life left in them.
The truly edgiest work for the duo would be their criminally ignored 1995 album ‘Burned’, done under the nom de plume Electrafixion. That work melded heavy 90’s angst with their genteel jangle, making for something distinct from their post-punk beginnings.
In some ways ‘Meteorites’ does recall ‘Burned’, but in more stately, relaxed arrangements. The self-titled opener is a stunner; Sergeant’s shimmering guitar lines mesh with orchestral strings, creating a melancholy soundscape for McCullough to wax poetic over, ‘Hope, where’s the hope you need? Can it be found, among all the ghosts in me?’
By contrasts the follow-up track ‘Holy Moses’ is sun-dappled and upbeat, and much to the frontman’s chagrin, very U2’ish with its jangly rhythm and soulful backing vocals (he’s had a hatred for Bono for 30 plus years now).
Stream ‘Meteorites’ via VPRO:
The album varies between these two degrees of chilly mood and atmospheric uplift; ‘Constantinople’ has a winning middle-eastern riff to accompany McCullough’s warble, and the feel-good shuffle ‘Is This A Breakdown’ gives a nod to The Stone Roses.
The same sentiment continues through ‘Market Town’ whose breezy feel belies lyrics like “C’mon down to market town/Come and watch the sun go down/Come and watch the darkness…no survivors will be found.”
The standout track of the album is ‘Lovers On The Run.’ Cinematic guitar runs and McCullough’s sweet nothings perfectly encapsulate the sound of a couple racing down the highway with no cares in the world.
Killing Joke bassist Youth mans the controls for ‘Meteorites’, and his production is clearly a kick in the pants the duo needed, making this one of their strongest efforts since 1999’s unfairly panned “What Are You Going to Do With Your Life?”
Really the only complaint one can find with the album is that it all feels cut from the same cloth. It all goes by as a pleasant sugar rush, but it doesn’t quite stick to the ribs like their iconic 80’s material.
Be that as it may, ‘Meteorites’ is perfectly timed for a summer release. This makes for ideal road trip or lazy afternoon listening. It may not offer ‘New Horizons’ to reference the lovely album closer of the same name, but it goes down easy.
