Mew - & The Glass Handed Kites
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Music CD Cover
Artist: MewEdition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 2006-07-25
Music Label: Sony
Soundtracks:
- Circuitry of the Wolf
- Chinaberry Tree
- Why Are You Looking Grave?
- Fox Club
- Apocalypso
- Special
- The Zookeeper's Boy
- A Dark Design
- Saviours of Jazz Ballet (Fear Me, December)
- An Envoy to the Open Fields
- Small Ambulance
- The Seething Rain Weeps for You (Uda Pruda)
- White Lips Kissed
- Louise Louisa
Free Music Notes for & The Glass Handed Kites
Free Music Review: Personal Fav for 2006
Hit: 5 Stars
By way of the internet, I was introduced to Mew initially through text. I had never actually heard their music, but by way of some few positive reviews, a little desperation, and a leap of faith, I purchased "And the Glass Handed Kites." Since it found its way into my CD player, I have concluded that it is my favorite album of 2006. Several albums have competed for this title over the course of the past few months, not the least of which was Muse's "Black Holes and Revelations." While competition was fierce between these two, I can confidently say that Mew has been the winner.
This is not meant to degrade (the more visible) Muse's efforts. In fact, my comparison between the two bands is meant to encourage fans to research this important Danish band for themselves. Mew exudes an aesthetic that coolly reflects both passion and intelligence. Lyrically, "And the Glass Handed Kites" walks the line that divides the surreal and the personal. Sonically, they strongly reference the late 80s, as well as 2K and many points in between, but their approach is so experimental and somehow accessible that they ultimately transcend any of the genres that are associated with either of these eras. Is it possible to reconcile the seemingly divergent styles of New Order and The Mars Volta? Miraculously, Mew seems to find a way to.
Because of their ability to ride the fence between the accessible and the experimental, Mew has been increasingly accepted by the prog community. However, the bulk of their influences lie outside of the accepted prog mainstream - perhaps a touch of Yes, but very little Genesis, ELP, etc. Instead Mew openly cites among their influences the pre-alternative bands of the late 80's such as My Bloody Valentine. "Special" is particularly reminiscent of this era. This approach gives them a widely acceptable soundscape for their experimentation, and an admittedly exciting format for those of us who love the spirit of that music but are exhausted with over 40 years of recycled prog clichés. The opening track "Circuitry of the Wolf" is deceptively lo-fi, and fooled me into thinking that I had the newest incarnation of the late 90s sound that was represented by Hum. It quickly opens up, however, and as it seamlessly segues into "Chinaberry Tree", we find a significant sonic and conceptual depth. This is driven home by Jonas' Bjerre's vocals. His control of intonation in the falsetto range is nothing short of extraordinary.
The album is conceptual in nature, and as a result it is very difficult to recommend a singular track as a representation. As an introduction, I would suggest finding a way to listen to a seamlessly segued medley that includes everything from "Fox Cub" to "Zookeeper's Boy" (including "Apacalypso" and "Special"). There are other really great tunes on the album, but this sequence is one of my favorites and it exemplifies what "And the Glass Handed Kites" has to offer. Some songs function as vignettes and others as pivotal set pieces. When a piece is conceived of as an album-length whole ( as in the style of Kevin Gilbert's "The Shaming of the True", the Flower Kings' "Garden of Dreams", the Who's "Tommy", or several selections from Pink Floyd's classic 70s work), I think that this is a necessary concession to allow for accessibility. Understanding "And the Glass Handed Kites" as a whole might require more of the casual contemporary listener than is fair, so breaking the album up into isolated tracks is probably essential to digesting its complexity.
Increasingly, I find myself researching modern music by looking for live video footage online. Many times, if I find some footage that really helps me to conceptualize a given band's approach, it helps me to understand their vision (this was influential in my acceptance of both Muse and Pure Reason Revolution). Pretty much 100% of the footage I have found of Mew has impressed me. I would suggest doing some searches, as there is quite a bit of Mew footage available. Watching lead vocalist Jonas Bjerre's eyes roll back into his head as the rest of the band alternates between aggressive grooves and emotional atmospheres is absolutely priceless.
The Lowdown: The atmosphere that Mew creates is almost sonically overwhelming at times. As I have stated in my previous King Crimson reviews, sometimes it feels like I just cannot experience the songs at a high enough volume, and I feel like I am reaching out for the connection that can only happen in a live performance. In a recent interview, Yes' Rick Wakeman lauded Mew's ability as a band that could "really play," specifically citing the vocal prowess of Bjerre. After several months, I concur: Wakeman's observations are valid and his advice is solid. Mew is a powerfully unique band that deserves wide attention. Plus, its distinctively Nordic feel makes rocking out in the winter seem like fun. Get it yesterday.
& The Glass Handed Kites Poster
Producing dark and atmospheric songs, Mew posses a graceful beauty and create an epic sound with strikingly memorable tunes over which delicate vocals soar to angelic heights. Two years after their award-winning debut album Frengers wowed the critics, the Danish four-piece's follow-up, And The Glass Handed Kites is the fourth album for the dream-pop four piece but only the second to be available to a worldwide audience. Mew And The Glass Handed Kites features 14 total tracks including 'Apocalypso', 'Chinaberry Tree', 'A Dark Design', 'White Lips Kissed', 'The Zookeeper's Boy', 'Small Ambulance' and more. BMG. 2005.Alternative Rock Music CDs
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