Customer Reviews

Beyond the Neighbourhood

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is an album that takes 5 or 6 listens to really enjoy, and it's more of Athlete which is melancholy mood music that I really enjoy. The lyrics are good in that they are interestingly so generic that they can apply to many situations. Some people were hooked by WIres in Tourist or various tracks in Vehicles and Animals, but to me Athlete makes albums full of high quality songs and not singles. I like that while Athlete maintains their "sound" throughout all their albums (dominated by the lead singer), each song is very unique in rhythm and style.

For those whom are expecting this album to sound like the previous, Tourist, the first track on Beyond the Neighbouhood is a good indicator that Athlete's sound has somewhat eveolved. It is more electronic than their last album, yet it doesn't alienate those familiar with the Tourist album. Joel Pott (lead vocals) is far more subtle with his English accent and constant glisses on every note than on previous albums. Beyond the Neighbourhood is a good album to pick up if you need some new music to listen to, as I found out for myself.

After reading several reviews from magazines and articles on the web I was "slightly" skeptical upon picking this up. Now after listening to this I realize what so many critics were hoping for; a release to contain something "generic" that would propel this band into the pop spotlight.

Thankfully that's not the case. Athlete have managed to retain their honest, soulful sound that hopefully will keep me listening to this disc as I do with "Tourist". For anything to have longevity it has to have soul and that's why so many huge acts in the past 10 years fade away quickly. But I have a feeling even if Athlete never become a big success, people after 10 years are going to still enjoy this band.

Admittedly there's nothing ground breaking here, or maybe even original but there's something about their songs that just work, they're well crafted. I also had the opportunity to see this band live in a small venue in Toronto. They sound just like, if not better than their recordings, live which to me is always the sign of a "real" great band.

I must have told a thousand people how wonderful Athlete's first album was. It was quirky, unique, melodic, I could not have been more effusive than I was, when talking about it. I gritted my teth when "Tourist" came out, and tried ever so hard to like it, but the depth of "Vehicles and Animals" was definitely not present on this second cd. Then "Beyond the Neighbourhood" was issued. What a huge disappointment. Athlete had held so much promise, and now, they seem as if they are just another band putting out sappy radio songs. I do not mean to denigrate those who gave this recording a positive review, but please listen to "Vehicles and Animals." It is truly one of the greatest pieces of popular British music to be released in twenty years. "It's the simple things like the robots Stevie G. draws...."

don't expect this album to change your perspective on the world but its good for a few spins. Airport disco is probably the track that you will really attach yourself to. if you own their previous album you will find this one in a different musical location. this album is a little more studio produced sounding than the tourist. bottom line you can let it play and not change tracks every for minutes.

Admittedly, I am a pretty big Athlete fan, and have been since Tourist. While some of their prior releases (read Vehicles & Animals) were nothing really new - although still very good - Beyond the Neighbourhood is quite a step towards a more guitar driven/electronic sound. And it is awesome. There are a lot of different genres mixed together on several tracks, but a good mix of pop/rock really is the main feature. Whereas track 1 and 3 offer electronic mixes with what seems to be a bit of disco beat involved, Track 2- Hurricane, is just a great rock-n-roll tune that in my humble opinion is one of the best singles this year. The great tracks continue on, from start to finish. This is a must-have for any Athlete fan, and although I might recommend 'Tourist' for a new listener to get into the band, this would be a close second.