Brakes
The Beatific Visions
Rough Trade
2006
Rating: 9 turned rotors out of 10
I thought the second record was supposed to be a sophomore slump, but the British group Brakes (or BrakesBrakesBrakes as they are also known) managed to not only better their first outing but to make their otherwise great debut almost look like crap by comparison. The band decided to jaunt over here to the States and record the album in Nashville, and it shines through in their newly recorded material. Sure, there are still a few tracks that hark back to the manic energy of their debut - “Margarita”, “Spring Chicken”, and “Porcupine or Pineapple” all sound like Pixies outtakes, much like most of their debut release “Give Blood”. But the real draw here is their newfound poppy hooks and hints of twang, a style I wouldn’t have expected to work in theory with this band but it turns out even better than your wildest imagination – imagine that aforementioned Pixies influence paired with Nada Surf pop sensibilities and a little pedal steel and ragtime piano for flavor and you’re at least getting the general idea. “Mobile Communication” and album closer “No Return” are highlights, while the title track “Beatific Vision” is easily one of my favorite songs of the entire year. This record has been out a while in the UK, but is just now making it to US shores and we’re all better off for it.
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