This is London Grammar and if you haven't heard of them, it's about time you catch up on the latest trio to put some more variety in to the British music scene. Known for their, extremely different to mainstream, take on music; London Grammar have seen success grow right before their eyes with appearances on stations like Radio 1 and in magazines like NME becoming regular occurrences.
I have been waiting for this album right from the release of Hey Now. To have this as the powerful opener to If You Wait was an extremely wise decision from the band. Demonstrating impeccable vocals, darkened melodies and dramatic build ups in to angelic storms of music – this is probably the best song to open one of the best albums of 2013. After creating a familiar feel from a single we are all so used to, it is time for the trio to unleash the most incredible and audibly stunning tracks I have heard in a long time. From continuing in to Stay Awake, with the cultural hints between chords and a more complex backing to warming lyrics, and straight in to Shyer which composes a relaxed state of extreme confidence within the female singer. There really isn't a fault within the opening 10 minutes and I have no doubt that it's only about to get better.
I have been waiting for this album right from the release of Hey Now. To have this as the powerful opener to If You Wait was an extremely wise decision from the band. Demonstrating impeccable vocals, darkened melodies and dramatic build ups in to angelic storms of music – this is probably the best song to open one of the best albums of 2013. After creating a familiar feel from a single we are all so used to, it is time for the trio to unleash the most incredible and audibly stunning tracks I have heard in a long time. From continuing in to Stay Awake, with the cultural hints between chords and a more complex backing to warming lyrics, and straight in to Shyer which composes a relaxed state of extreme confidence within the female singer. There really isn't a fault within the opening 10 minutes and I have no doubt that it's only about to get better.
Radiating a warm feel with
songs we already know making appearances throughout the album, London
Grammar transform their extremely unique sound in to anthems of
dream-like stories. The production of it all, specifically in Sights,
gives the it all, the songs as a collective, a special feel of rarity
as well as creating an incredibly strong sense of passion and service
to the music industry. There is without a doubt a sense that this
album is going to have a massive impact on artists around them –
possibly creating a whole new stream of unaccepted genres becoming a
lot more accepted.
Proving critics wrong of
just being a boring band who can easily put people to sleep, they
have created some up tempo tracks that fit perfectly with Help Me
Lose My Mind – a song which was made for Disclosure's debut album.
From Flickers to Darling Are You Gonna Leave Me, it's a superb blend
of tribal sounds accompanied by the trusty bass that gives their
music that edge within their style. It adds depth and meaning to what
is already an extraordinary collection of songs on one album.
Demonstrating skill throughout it all, there are still signs of the
band being able to give a lot more.
If You Wait is extremely
unique in terms of what it is offering but going down the same path
of how The XX were welcomed so openly in to the industry, London
Grammar now face the task of staying true to what they have become
loved for and to not shy away from that too much. Perhaps we will
start seeing an even more experimental feel with their sound but for
now, I think it's safe to say, we are all more than happy with what
we have been given. This album gives everything I wanted and tons
more, making it one of my favourite releases of 2013. Take note
people, this could be the future.
Out of 10: 9/10