To presumably coincide with Kent's Year 2000 release of the 'Hagnesta Hill' album, their previous album gets another airing here. This Swedish band doff their caps to Smashing Pumpkins (Joakim Berg's whiny, Billy Corganesque vocals) and Radiohead (widescreen angst rock) in equal measure which makes this album an enjoyable if rather second-hand listen. Indeed, when this album hits the mark - as it does consistently for its first half - it actually transcends its influences as on the astounding 'Unprofessional' where Berg's painful longing is set against chiming guitars to gorgeous, panoramic effect. 'Before It All Ends' is the definite standout of the slightly jaded-sounding second-half thanks to it's possibly ironic chorus of 'Are You Happy Now?'. In a world full of angst, though, this album still stands out amongst the dross two years down the line.
To presumably coincide with Kent's Year 2000 release of the 'Hagnesta Hill' album, their previous album gets another airing here. This Swedish band doff their caps to Smashing Pumpkins (Joakim Berg's whiny, Billy Corganesque vocals) and Radiohead (widescreen angst rock) in equal measure which makes this album an enjoyable if rather second-hand listen. Indeed, when this album hits the mark - as it does consistently for its first half - it actually transcends its influences as on the astounding 'Unprofessional' where Berg's painful longing is set against chiming guitars to gorgeous, panoramic effect. 'Before It All Ends' is the definite standout of the slightly jaded-sounding second-half thanks to it's possibly ironic chorus of 'Are You Happy Now?'. In a world full of angst, though, this album still stands out amongst the dross two years down the line.
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