Post War Years : The Greats and the Happenings
Note to self, avoid at all costs. I thought classical music was slightly, well, not boring but in a more politically correct fashion “not tangible to my personal musical taste”. That was until I met Post War Years new album, entitled ‘The Greats and the Happenings’.
Well, it certainly isn’t great, and it definitely isn’t happening. Some would deem it ‘slow’, others would label it ‘damn right weird’. It seems that, in the form of Post War Years, ambient music has taken over the classical genre in my ‘steer clear’ list.
That is not to be said that it is totally useless and boring. The album does contain a variety of interesting sounds and melodies, all combined into thoughtful, deep psychedelic tones. The first track, ‘Red Room’ opens with dominant drumming, and a consistent clapping rhythm. It immediately strikes me as relaxing music, an almost perfect soundtrack to the stereotypical acid trip.
‘Whole world on its head’ was another song that managed to stir me from my boredom-induced slumber. Encapsulating an electronic feel, it has a similar style to that used by Late of the Pier, and is a continuation of the psychedelic sound. Heavy synthesiser and electronic rhythms often collaborate in sync before spinning away into separate pieces. It also contains one of the major positives that i found listening to this album, which was the quality of the drumming. Fast-paced, it was one of the factors that made me sit up and take notice of this song. However it does not stop there, as the drumming remains impressive throughout the LP. Often complex, riveting and interesting, it is a major plus point.
‘Ghost Door’ is one of the poorer efforts recorded onto the album. Seemingly out of tune, boring and dull, it is at this point that my notes read “currently tearing my hair out”. The length of the track is good though as it is only one minute and twenty-two seconds, which meant to my relief that it was over rather quickly.
Other songs which retained modest scores were ‘Den’, ‘Death March’ and ‘Red & Blue’. It is unfortunate that I was bored by the fourth song, but in truth I thought that ‘The Greats and the Happenings’ was uninspiring, dull and boring with no drive or energy. The album, which is set to be released on the 18th May, will not set the world alight. With my birthday forthcoming, I will not be adding this to my wish list. Bring me Russell Watson any day.
Words: Alex Read
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