To say that it has felt like a long wait for Tall Ships to release their debut full-length would be a bit of an understatement. The Falmouth loop lovers released their first, self-titled, EP back in early 2010, following it up with 'There is Nothing but Chemistry Here' later that same year. Now two years for a proper album may not sound that long, but considering how brilliant both of those EPs were the wait has felt tragically lengthy. Furthermore it has ramped up expectation for 'Everything Touching' to the point that, as it finally sees the light of day, it sees Tall Ships under real pressure to perform.
Of course, there is no need to panic about Tall Ships stepping up to the plate. Half the tracks here have already been released in some form or other, and those that have not hardly break the well-balanced formula that the band have been gradually honing over the last couple of years. Opener 'T=0' has already done the rounds as a single but is perfectly placed to kick off this long awaited record. Its looped guitar riff is so spectacularly good that most listeners would be prepared to let it continue for a good ten minutes. As things stand, its four minute appearance acts as the ideal introduction to the band for new fans. The song has elements of the math rock stylings that the band clearly adores but also makes it abundantly clear that they are not merely about unexciting fret noodling in the same way that many bands of that genre are. Instead of technicality Tall Ships are all about terrifically enjoyable songs, and 'T=0' is about as much fun as you could hope to have on record.
The theme continues as the album progresses. This band really does seem to have a unique knack of writing truly anthemic songs that are fun, but also may make less seasoned listeners wonder how exactly three people are pulling off what they are hearing. 'Oscar', already becoming a true live favourite, is case in point. It builds up with a wonderful series of swells until its massive chorus comes in and forces everyone within earshot to break into joyous singsong. Perhaps, more importantly, it proves that it is possible to write music that has lots going on without sounding in any way cluttered. In fact, often on this album, Tall Ships manage to sound positively minimalistic, yet anyone who has seen them perform live knows how busy each of the three members keeps throughout a standard set.
It may well just be this ability that keeps 'Everything Touching' from ever sounding stale and formulaic. Tall Ships leave enough space in their arrangements to allow listeners to appreciate the little intricacies, something that nine minute closer 'Murmurations' and the re-recorded 'Ode to Ancestors', in particular, benefit from. They allow each track to live and breathe in its own time, with the possible exception of the unnecessarily sped up version of 'Books' that appears here. As such there is a curiously comforting feel to this album as well. Within a few listens it already feels like you are starting to know it off by heart, even though there is far more depth to it than that statement allows.
So there it is. 'Everything Touching' is not only fun but clever and accessible in the best, most reassuring way possible. Tall Ships have not just stepped up to the plate; they have created a record that surpasses expectations. For fans old and new, this is set to become a firm favourite.
'Everything Touching' is out via Big Scary Monsters and Blood & Biscuits on 8th October. Tall Ships tour the UK in October.
Fri October 12th 2012 - The Haunt, Brighton
Sun October 14th 2012 - Rainbow, Birmingham
Mon October 15th 2012 - Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
Mon October 22nd 2012 - London XOYO, London
Tue October 23rd 2012 - Bodega Social, Nottingham
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Of course, there is no need to panic about Tall Ships stepping up to the plate. Half the tracks here have already been released in some form or other, and those that have not hardly break the well-balanced formula that the band have been gradually honing over the last couple of years. Opener 'T=0' has already done the rounds as a single but is perfectly placed to kick off this long awaited record. Its looped guitar riff is so spectacularly good that most listeners would be prepared to let it continue for a good ten minutes. As things stand, its four minute appearance acts as the ideal introduction to the band for new fans. The song has elements of the math rock stylings that the band clearly adores but also makes it abundantly clear that they are not merely about unexciting fret noodling in the same way that many bands of that genre are. Instead of technicality Tall Ships are all about terrifically enjoyable songs, and 'T=0' is about as much fun as you could hope to have on record.
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