Thisisthelast… Athlete Album Review
September 25th, 2007 . by Jilly
Athlete is back with their third album entitled “Beyond the Neighbourhood“. It was produced in their own studio by the members of the band. This album is much more upbeat and energetic than their last album “Tourist“, which was one of my favorite albums of 2005. I still can’t get enough of that album, I love the unique voice.
Beyond the Neighbourhood is a solid album from beginning to end. There’s a lyrical theme weaved throughout the whole album about trying to deal with life. Willetts says, “We’re trying to figure out a lot of things. From war to the environment to falling in love to dealing with death.”
The first track ‘In Between 2 States’ is a dreamy instrumental. You can hear the influence of Massive Attack. Its a beautiful way to start off the album.
In Between 2 States mp3
‘Hurricane’ is the first single off the album. This is the song that will be used in a car commercial or used in a TV show. Inspired by an article in National Geographic about the increase of hurricanes in the Gulf and East Coasts. They’re questioning whether this is something we just have to get used to. This upbeat song is not defeatist, its kind of got a defiant flair that runs through the whole album.
Hurricane mp3
My favorite song off this new album is ‘The Outsiders’, which has a nice hip-hop beat to it. It sort of reminds me of that Radiohead hip-hop mashup album and that Lupe Fiasco song ‘Us Placers‘, which sampled a Thom Yorke song.
The Outsiders (video)
Athlete shows that they’re picking up right where my favorite brit-pop bands left off. I really like how this album has a bit more electronic in it, they’re not just a one trick pony. I can’t wait to see what else these guys do.
“Beyond the Neighbourhood” is being released in the U.S. today.