In The Pit Of The Stomach (Amazon Exclusive Version)

We Were Promised Jetpacks | Format: MP3 Music

Product Details

• Label: FatCat Records
• Copyright: 2011 FatCat Records
• Total Length: 51:54
• Genres:
  • Alternative Rock
• ASIN: B005NEHMT0
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,188 Paid in MP3 Albums (See Top 100 Paid in MP3 Albums)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars driving, streamlined "post-punk" November 10, 2011

By A. Finley

Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase

While comparisons can be dubious and reviews are always personal, I couldn't help but think about how much I disagreed with another Amazon review through the entirety of this album. Where I expected "post-rock" a la Mogwai or Explosions in the Sky, I got something that I would suggest sounds more like a gentler, cleaner At The Drive In. In fact, I don't think any regular listener of post-rock, with it's soundtrack-like compositional style, atmospheric textures, dramatic builds and loopy melodies, would put this into the category.

We Were Promised Jet Packs is filled with tremolo picking and often a loud/soft dynamic, but it is also full of lyrical vocals and quick, constant drum beats. While there are songs that touch on the post-rock aesthetic, such as Sore Thumb, most of the tracks on the album would fit more closely with the aforementioned ATDI, or possibly Sonic Youth. If anything, heavier post-rock acts like Russian Circles or Caspian would be a more appropriate comparison.

However, I was not at all disappointed in the offering. The lyrical content of In the Pit of the Stomach is cliche-free and never cringe-inducing, poetic and Radiohead-esque at times (Act On Impulse), and even at little hooky (Circles And Squares, Hard to Remember). The recording quality of the vocals is interesting - somewhat distant and reverby, and in that sense I could see the mention of Because of Ghosts or Do Make Say Think in the discussion...and who doesn't like a tinge of Scottish accent? The album rarely feels slow, though my ears grew a bit tired of the heavy breakdowns that mark the middle of almost every song. There is, however, a great deal of variety within the album and within each song....

All in all I found this to be an enjoyable album, worth a listen for anyone looking for something new but also something less-than-mainstream - this isn't "Pop" at any moment. While it was not what I expected, it was, indeed, distinctive and artful. Labels can be misleading, for sure, but I think most music critics would put this in the "post-punk" genre. Read more ›

5.0 out of 5 stars OMG! April 28, 2013

By Jeremy4037

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

I'm in shock that I had never heard of this band until recently,thank you I-heart! Just purchased all their music!

4.0 out of 5 stars A glorious ride! October 23, 2012

By M. Lynch

Format:Audio CD

I listed to the first release We Were Promise Jetpacks (WWPJ) non-stop. Glorious, soaring melodies that can start with a single instrument and gradually build to a power crescendo, without a lick of pretentiousness.

So, the first listen to their sophomore debut left me disappointed. Much more straightforward post-punk rock. Especially embodied in their first song, "Circles and Squares" -- where was the understated power? The unexpected twist and turns? The music that made you think?

And after a few listens, I was a fan.

Yes, the approach is much edgier, punchier, and more even-keeled, but damnit if this more straightforward approach doesn't retain the highly emotional karate chop to the gut that their debut release provided. That's not to say that WWPJ diverged completely from their debut - songs like "Sore Thumb" provides a journey similar to "Keeping Warm" and "human Error" is as catchy as "Roll Up Your Sleeves". But their single "Medicine" presents a forward-thinking more accessible approach to their music, still wrought with tension. "Through The Dirt and the Gravel" is probably the quintessential WWPJ song - a throbbing freight train music with vocals that exude pain and anxiety.

In essence if you liked the debut record, please give this one the time. You won't be disappointed.

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid second album! April 23, 2012

By Joust Reddington

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

Jetpacks second album though not as strong as the first effort is still quite good all the way through. The production is a bit different which I think may throw people off a bit but the song writing is still there even though the vocals seem distant and lost in the walls of sound. Still great band and amazing live!

3.0 out of 5 stars a step back March 12, 2012

By Justin Pruitt

Format:MP3 Music

Listening to "in the pit of the stomach" I can't help but think that WWPJ on this album are less mature than the previous record "these four walls" which I simply adored. I even bought this without listening to any songs or even samples. But while listening to it I noticed the lack of emotion that the lead-singers hefty scottish accent carries in comparison to the debut album. The reason for this is the drowning of songs in distorted guitars and restless fast-paced drumming giving this album very few, if any, points of tension release. So if you are into a more punk style of rock this album will have plenty of treats for you. Don't get me wrong, this album is very good, but it's not an improvement or even a step sideways from their first near masterpiece.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding October 7, 2011

By I. Perry

Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase

Everything I liked about jetpacks' previous work just got even better on this album. You'll get the same hard, moody, scottish rock, but perhaps with a few more layers and a noticeable Sigur Ros influenced sound on some songs (such as Hard to Remember, Pear Tree, and Sore Thumb). I heard they recorded this album at Sigur Ros's studio, but I have always thought I could hear a little Sigur Ros in the greatest of scottish rock as it seems to have come from the same place. Early standouts for me are Pear Tree, Hard to Remember, and Act on Impulse which will easily be their most broadly appealing song and should send them to another level of popularity. Let's hope that doesn't affect their ability to write amazing music. With one exception every song on the album ranges from great to excellent. I will admit that the album doesn't benefit from the addition of the bonus track. If you end up liking this also try Sigur Rós, The Midnight Organ Fight, Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place, Happy Songs for Happy People.