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The Cinematics | Break EP (TVT) |
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Written by Laura Hamlett
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Saturday, 06 January 2007 |
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 They're Scottish, and they
apparently grew up on New Wave music. True, it's easy to be hokey, but the
Cinematics manage to show some serious musical chops while making largely lighthearted
dance music.
They're Scottish, and they
apparently grew up on New Wave music. True, it's easy to be hokey, but the
Cinematics manage to show some serious musical chops while making largely lighthearted
dance music. The title track combines decent lyrics and a strong voice to make
a catchy song-and then ratchets it up a notch with a killer guitar riff and
some soaring vocals reminding us, "‘It's just a trick of the light,' she said."
Live, you're sure "Burning Light" would be just that: floor-mounted high-beams,
pointed upward, outward, sideways, creating a wall of illumination. Though it's
a solid effort and enjoyable listen, there's not much to set this one apart.
"Sunday Sun" has "single" written all over it-but that's probably because it was a single, written and performed by a
guy named Beck. Somehow, the Cinematics manage to make it sound like an '80s
song-which, in this case, isn't a good thing. Perhaps it's the clear, sharp
vocals of Scott Rinning, or the way the band plays the song without pause, as
if they're in a hurry to get it over with; either way, it's not their best
effort (yet, sadly, it's probably the one that will get them the most
attention). Closing the too-short, too-middling EP is the (finally)
unforgettable "Home." Backed by the simplicity of a guitar, Rinning's voice and
words are allowed to shine, and they do so beautifully. The pauses are long and
unabashed, the frailty embraced and heralded; yes, it's more than a little
evocative of Jeff Buckley, and that's a very, very good thing. Admittedly, the
wave may get people out on the dance floor, but unfortunately with this EP,
it's not enough to keep 'em satisfied. Let's hope the Cinematics' next offering
is more in line with their obvious talents. C | Laura Hamlett
RIYL: Go West, Arcadia, Jeff Buckley ("Home" only)
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