Labels: Adagio830 – Night People
Review by: Andy Malcolm
Man. I have had this record for a very long time (it’s been out almost a year) and have not quite ever been able to write a review of it, although I have started one on more than the odd occasion, before abandoning it, realising that I am not really in a position to spew words on the subject. I probably should have gotten someone else to do it, but I didn’t, so you’re stuck with me.
Vancouver’s Terror Bird have disseminated an album of downbeat (gothy?) lo-fi, 80s style electro-pop music, that fits in very neatly alongside the swathes of music that Captured Tracks have bestowed upon the world in the past couple of years. Each track generally employs synth or piano to good effect alongside Nikki Never’s strong vocals. My knowledge of synth / goth pop is pretty negligible, bar modern references such as Blank Dogs or Zola Jesus, but I suppose there is a reasonable chance that if you are into either of those, then you may well find appeal on this album. For me, it doesn’t really make a huge impression. It’s listenable without ever grabbing my full attention or blowing me away. It’s also just a touch too long, and wears out it’s welcome before the conclusion is reached. I do like the slightly claustrophobic, miserable mood that they have created though, and it certainly evokes a period sound a lot better than some other bands I have heard who try and hark back to this period of music. If it’s a style you derive pleasure from then I’d suggest you give Human Culture a whirl, otherwise there are probably better examples out there for those that are more picky.