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The Beta Band - Heroes to Zeros Audio CD

A fair review of the The Beta Band "Heroes to Zeros" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all The Beta Band reviews here, or go back to the The Beta Band tabs.

The Beta Band Band: The Beta Band
Title: Heroes to Zeros
Rating:
Release Date: 2004-04-26
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Assessment 2: Space 3: Lion Thief 4: Easy 5: Wonderful 6: Troubles 7: Out-Side 8: Space Beatle 9: Rhododendron 10: Liquid Bird 11: Simple 12: Pure For

A masterpiece by a band that deserved far greater recognition
No lesser luminaries than Radiohead and Oasis declared The Beta Band a major new talent, but by the time the tellingly titled `Heroes to Zeros' was released, this Edinburgh band probably knew that this would be their swansong. it really is tragic that such a talented band with such obvious commercial appeal never achieved the success they deserved (and yet so many generic rock bands of far lesser talent and creativity are reaping dividends merely as a result of the corporate promotional machine). Soon afterwards their justified frustration led to their dissolution, with singer Stephen Mason going on to develop his excellent King Biscuit Time project. Perhaps their creative perfectionism was part of the problem-they are even renowned for criticising their debut album before its release. But then again they had pioneered an incredible pastiche sound that seamlessly merged influences as disparate as The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Madchester, Grunge, Hip Hop and god knows what else. But rather than resulting in a clumsy hybridity, it worked to produce a sound that is that of The Beta Band and no one else. This album has it all- songwriting, composition, musicianship, production- every aspect a triumph. So why have I only just discovered The Beta Band? Well I guess then, that they need more people singing their praises, and even if they are defunct, ensuring they receive the accolades they are due. Can a hero be super without adulation? The comic characters on the cover of this album deserve it, so give it to them!.


Heroes
(Good for them!) Despite the goofy comic-book cover, this is a solid collection of multilayered, infectious rock-pop. "Heroes To Zeroes" proves that UK The Beta Band is still going strong, in their first self-produced album. These "heroes" are on steady footing here.

It starts off with a bang in the thumping "Assessment," with a wonderfully roaring wall o' guitar riffs that makes your ears tingle. Following that are experimental numbers (the eclectic "Rhododendron" with its bells, organs and bongos and wonderfully strange "Liquid Bird"), swelling strings ("Simple" and "Wonderful" are simply wonderful), before finishing with the distant electronic-tinged "Pure For. "

"Heroes and Zeroes" strikes a good balance between quirky rock and experimental stuff. Not to mention that the Beta Band manage to combine things that would sound silly in many bands. And their songs are unusually creative and elegant (meaning: songs like "Wonderful" won't make you sick).

Frontman Steve Mason is in good form here; few singers could repeat "She's so wonderful" without sounding goofy. And ear-friendly depression lends itself well, as downbeat as the cover is comic. "I think I cracked my skull on the way down/I think I lost my head when I lay down/The fear of facts presented in the cold light of day," Mason sings mournfully.

And the instrumentation is solid and sweeping. Harmonica? Organ? Electronics? Chime-y guitars? Strong percussion? Horns? Sweeping strings? Barking dogs? All here, and all somehow meshed together. There are messy bits, but they're easily skimmed over in favor of just how pretty or rock-y the Beta Band can be.

This Scottish band proves they've still got it it, in this sweeping, eclectic collection that blends solid rockers with some of the sweetest ballads. Good job, lads.


I love you to pieces, I love you to pieces...
I never doubted what the Beta Band were made of (endearing goodness and acerbic displeasure in equal measures) and this long player goes to prove it. This is a very good record. Steve Masons' vocals are relaxed and low key on most songs depending on whether he is singing a love song or singing his hatred toward the people who have left him. But screw that deep crap!! this is simply very interesting, although Masons' vocals do lead the record (as they did on the 'Beta Band' record, but no one noticed). It's a bit too short, but I've been living with that all my life!!!! It just means you can listen to it all again the sooner. Some songs could on for longer, but how much longer?? That was the problem with certain aspects of the aforementioned debut studio album and they dealt with it on 'Hot Shots 2', another very good record. blah, blah, blah!! There's not a boring or indulgent track and thankfuly no photo of the guy with a ginger beard from Portsmouth on the packaging. Not as good as 'The Fall', but how many things are? Buy it, it's very good! The End.


You can see a complete list of all The Beta Band discography, or go back to the The Beta Band tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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