At long last, proof that there is more to the Oxford alternative rock scene than Radiohead and whilst The Rock Of Travolta maintain a similar level of angst that's pretty much where the similarities end. For 'Uluru' is 45 minutes of hammer and tongs post-rock, instrumental save for 'Everything's Opened Up' which features a cameo from Seafood vocalist David Line. Much of the material teeters on the brink of heavy prog rock and is full of complicated time signatures that initially appear to cross the line of self-indulgence. Yet when the melodies reveal themselves - as on the Tortoise-evoking 'Lukewarm Skywater' and the Mogwai-aping 'Sleep With The Lights On' - they can be a joy to listen to. In addition the triumphant guitars of standout 'Bareback' and the folky whimsy evident on 'Post' make for a fine ending to the record. Unusually, an album that gets better as it draws to a close.
At long last, proof that there is more to the Oxford alternative rock scene than Radiohead and whilst The Rock Of Travolta maintain a similar level of angst that's pretty much where the similarities end. For 'Uluru' is 45 minutes of hammer and tongs post-rock, instrumental save for 'Everything's Opened Up' which features a cameo from Seafood vocalist David Line. Much of the material teeters on the brink of heavy prog rock and is full of complicated time signatures that initially appear to cross the line of self-indulgence. Yet when the melodies reveal themselves - as on the Tortoise-evoking 'Lukewarm Skywater' and the Mogwai-aping 'Sleep With The Lights On' - they can be a joy to listen to. In addition the triumphant guitars of standout 'Bareback' and the folky whimsy evident on 'Post' make for a fine ending to the record. Unusually, an album that gets better as it draws to a close.
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