Back in 2013 the world was introduced to a new three piece consisting of Hannah Reid, Dan Rothman and Dominic Major. Their first EP Metal and Dust was self-released, but it did not take long before the giants Ministry Of Sound signed them up.
Later on that year they released their debut album If You Wait, which almost reached the number 1 spot in the UK Album chart. After releasing an impressive number of singles, going platinum and even double platinum around the world, as well as working with superstar producers Disclosure, they finally gave us Truth Is a Beautiful Thing. This project has seen them work with Paul Epworth and Greg Kurstin, two creative producers behind some of Adele‘s music. Will this inspire some different styles and ideas, or will fans be treated to more of the same ethereal trip-hop/ pop that made them so successful?
Truth Is a Beautiful Thing is the second studio album by English indie pop trio London Grammar.
At 18 tracks long (including live performances, demos and more) there is lots to talk about, and as things kick off with Rooting For You there are some very positive signs. The stunning blend of power and grace that Hannah Reid possesses is nothing short of operatic at times. Every second of the accompaniment is meticulously put together, as her gracious vocals are drenched in reverb, and backed by mysterious synths and reversed electric guitar. Next up is one that you may already be familiar with, and is accompanied by an artistic video of starry skies and silhouettes. You can hear why this track in particular has been doing the rounds, Big Picture encompasses their sound and manages to modernise it at the same time. Cheerful muted guitar plucks and up-beat snare rolls throughout help you from getting too lost in their atmospherics.
There are some welcome variations on their usual style that we heard on 2013’s If You Wait, tracks like Non Believer is a a perfect example. It has a tough, simple kick and snare pattern that drives the entire piece, as well as some Imogen Heap inspired vocoder, and bags of personality thanks to modern studio techniques. This time around the group have not been frightened of taking a few more risks, the exaggerated tremolo effect on the electric guitar part of Oh Woman Oh Man is something that almost certainly would not have been considered before.
At other times they stick to their guns, and after selling 2 million copies last time around who can blame them. Like on their slower, half-time offering Wild Eyed, where Hannah gives even Florence Welch a run for her money. Who Am I seems to be the right balance, with some fierce drum machine kicks and choppy hi hats. It doesn’t lose their innocent, pure aesthetic though as it trickles into full flow during an intro almost spanning two entire minutes. There is no chance of being distracted or being tempted to skip though, the sonics tell the story alone but the lyrics are equally as intriguing ‘Who am I to want you now that you are leaving?’.
It may be difficult to pick a favourite this time around, and there is no doubt that they could easily release another 6 singles from this collection. What a Day does manage to make itself heard though, as the album starts to round up this track tells listeners that they are not done just yet. It is one of the richest, and fullest productions so far, with every inch of the stereo field being eaten by reverb and delay at around 3:45. The use of distorted guitars and orchestral strings also bring a unique touch, for some more unconventional sounds and rhythms be sure to also check out the electronic Control.
After unprecedented success from their first release, there is no way to avoid the pressure that comes with the second. They have taken their time, and even if they may not quite have a chorus like Hey Now on their hands this time around, they have created a huge amount of work that beats If You Wait at times. You can hear their confidence as they grow into a more mature group, each piano chord and pluck of guitar is just as it should be; there really is little room for criticism. Come and get lost in their latest album at one of our stores today, where we have a wide range of floor standing speakers on display.
