The Early Years : The Early Years

<p> <img src="http://www.qromag.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/theearlyyears.jpg" alt="" />New krautrock specialists, The Early Years, are blowing fresh air into the post-rock balloon with intimate mechanics and lulling vocals that are almost catchy and...
7.9 Beggars Group (UK)
2006 

New krautrock specialists, The Early Years, are blowing fresh air into the post-rock balloon with intimate mechanics and lulling vocals that are almost catchy and definitely memorable.  Out of London, these relatively new signees to Beggars Banquet drop their self-titled debut packed full of addictive, futuristic sounds that solicit multiple listens.  

Drums that range from power-rock to smooth synth are the foundation of a wash of guitar that sometimes flows like a faucet and other times like Niagara.  Cool, dream-like vocals sway on occasion in Velvet Underground fashion.  This excellent debut is sure to find an audience on both sides of the Atlantic.

Droning guitars fill the spotlight of the album, and are consistently bolstered by magnetic beats, blended in a perfect match.  Like the pulse of a robot extended into the distance, The Early Years is a wave that can sweep your feet from under you.  The single, "So Far Gone", is like jogging up a steady incline without fatigue.  Quick guitars drive the motion as the momentum steadily builds.  "All Ones and Zeros", their first single, is like the sprint back down the other side when your legs outpace your body and you just end up gliding.  

In its’ softer moments, The Early Years feels as serene as a campout under the stars.  The mellow "Song For Elizabeth", at nearly nine minutes, is an afterglow of vaporous guitar and pattering drums.  "Things" redefines the term "urban cowboy" with steely, soft murmurs giving way to a hustle through a rainstorm. 

There are several layers in between these, and all included, make a multi-layered trip through kraut, garage, and post-rock of uncommon depth.  Elements of pop balladry creep through the surface enough to make a compelling, genetically whole debut, as elaborate as any recent releases from these genres.  As remarkable and essential as it is, it’s excitingly only their debut.    

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