Complete Recordings

I see the band name, I think of the mediocre Beck song with the same name, I start playing the album and get music that's very unlike Beck (who I do normally like, tbc). Had a really pleasant time with this! It's got more bounce and lift than most of what I associate with shoegaze, and I think if it were less aggressively lo-fi, it'd probably be sitting more in dream pop territory.

Ffs..... Not more shoegaze....

Ever wonder what it would sound like if vocals were recorded in a cave (more mumbled than sang), and then was way overtopped by fuzz and distortion that has been turned up to 11, thereby rendering the vocals useless and the constant drone of music making you feel like you're trying to listen to music underwater? This is the album for you. This sounds exactly like My Bloody Valentine or The Jesus and Mary Chain.

Another fascinating thing that only those who like shoegaze would enjoy.... You have to have a forensics license to find the original "Complete Recordings" album. The Complete Recordings were never the complete recordings... They just called it that. But the rub is that 11 years later, they added 6 additional songs to the original list, and re-released it with an entirely different name.... It's now longer, and known as their self titled album. Who overwrites an albums existence as opposed to just releasing a deluxe edition or extended cut?

Fuck shoegaze.

Favourite songs: Throw Aggi Off the Bridge, Drown, Lazy Heart

Least favourite songs: idk, it all kinda ran together.... Pack You Up maybe??

2/5

I will admit, the style grew on me as the album went on, but still not something I'd ever listen to again.

Loved this. Absolutely right up my street with the layers of guitars and that slightly hazy, noisy sound. The music itself is brilliant and I can see myself coming back to it.

My only criticism is that it’s far too short for an album, although I suppose that’s partly because it’s technically a collection of EPs rather than an album. I just wish there was more of it!