Mediocre McCoy, insipid Spiritualized simply fall flat
Fourteen tracks of hazy instrumentals, all leading into one another, set on lead vocalist Jason's narcotic voice, reminiscent of that of The Charlatans' lead vocalist Tim Burgess, and announce "PurePhase" as another entry into the diverse and ever-expanding world of dream pop. What is most interesting about Spiritualized are their sources of sound. Instead of relying solely on guitars and synthesizers like many of their contemporaries, Spiritualized throw a new twist into the equation, adding harmonicas, saxophones, trombones, string quartets and even a banjo in certain tracks.
The result is mixed. While some of the tracks form a refreshing concoction, others end up sounding more like assorted noise. Much like some of My Bloody Valentine's early works, "PurePhase" feels immature, lacking the necessary time for experimental sounds to meld into new music.
Maybe Real McCoy's debut album should be called "Another Trend" and not "Another Night." From the incessant bass drum to the rehashing of old euro hooks that just refuse to curl up and die, "Another Night" is next in a line of albums aimed at milking dry the pseudo-techno craze sweeping the club scenes across the world.
Beginning with their Top 40 title track smash and follow-up singles "Run Away" and the weak disco wannabe effort "Come and Get Your Love," Real McCoy has done its share to establish itself in the club circuit with fellow Europeans Haddaway and Ace of Base. All three have found astounding success in the United States and elsewhere with the same formula of sugary catchy beats and glitzy synthesizers. But don't hold your breath wishing for an exciting, much less original second album.
This item appeared in the Arts & Entertainment section of the September 15, 1995 issue.
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