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Echo and the Bunnymen: "Flowers" |
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A recent trend has been bands of yesteryear attempting comebacks. While most blatantly ride on their past successes, gaining a few new fans along the way, only a few truly exceed their past accomplishments. One of the bands which has boldly surpassed the success they originally attained is Echo and the Bunnymen.
Their name conjures up images of a band lead by a singer named Echo, but this is simply not the case. Echo and the Bunnymen began their career in 1978, with 3 live members and 1 drum machine which they deftly named Echo. Although Echo's participation in the band was to be short lived, his name lived on. The drum machine was replaced by a live human before the release of their first album, Crocodiles, in the summer of 1980. This band successfully contributed to the music world up until the departure of Ian McCulloch in 1988. After an attempt of two more albums after McCulloch's departure, the band officially disbanded.
In 1997, Ian McCulloch and Will Sergeant, two of the founding members, decided to revive Echo and the Bunnymen after working together and releasing two albums as Electrafixion. The first release from the album Evergreen entitled, "Nothing Lasts Forever" helped to secure ongoing success as it received widespread airplay, especially in the UK.
If Flowers, their newest release, is examined against successful bands of today, it is apparent that Echo and the Bunnymen are ready to give the competition a strong run for their money. Although this album is somewhat alternative, it is nowhere close to the 'hard core' alternative category. Both rock and alternative fans should find it enjoyable.
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Pleasantly offbeat, the smooth flow of the music combined with McCulloch's voice work together to create a very unique sound. Somehow they have created a project which features both the singing style of McCulloch and Sergeant's mastery of the guitar simultaneously - without any hint of competition between the two.
From the upbeat sounds of "Everybody Knows" and "Make Me Shine" to the soul-filled sound of "Flowers"this album showcases the wide ranges of this band. Another feat this band accomplishes is the ability to have an upbeat commercial song while still having the deep dark element they seem to aspire to. Their firstsingle, "It's Alright" has both the style and beat that seems to be needed for commercial success, but at the same time McCulloch holds on to the dark and somewhat gloomy through his own voice techniques. Throughout the album, McCulloch's voice seems to flow parallel to the instrumentation rather than being enveloped in it - which makes an interesting combination for the listener.
Although their name alone has raised a few eyebrows, one listen to Flowers should make fans of even the most sceptical. If anyone is expecting anything pretty, flowery or sugar-coated, they are in for a disappointment. Echo and the Bunnymen have proven yet again they are a solid band, worthy of success and respect. This 80's band who helped to lay the foundation for the alternative music scene of today, has come back to even greater heights.
By Stefanie David, CanEHdian.com
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