On their debut album Fantasy Black Channel, Late of the Pier have created twelve consistently exciting tracks throbbing with dance beats, Mick Ronson-esque guitar lines (though less glam rockish) and wicked clubby synths. And of course Samuel Eastgate’s sexalicious vocals, which are pure Bowie.

Kicking off with the epic, almost Battles-like “Hot Tent Blues” which segues into “Broken”, LotP try and explore as many different variations of electro-pop (with every possible synth sound setting they can find) over the course of the next ten tracks. Among these are the riff-rocking “Space and the Woods”, the poppy “Random Firl”, the neon-lit “Heartbeat” and the club-y “Focker”, which sounds like Bowie remixing Wolfmother. I don’t even really know how to describe “The Bears Are Coming”, which is probably the only electro song I’ve ever heard to make use of tablas. Even when LotP are pushing themselves and making interesting choices on FBC, they never hit a wrong note and never repeat themselves.

Though the entire ordeal is accomplished with zest, zeal and panache, one can’t help but feel as though this album represents a band in its early stages of development. LotP’s sound is comprised of so many different elements that it would be too much to expect the band to have already fused them together to arrive at a signature sound so quickly. Since this is LotP’s debut album, this is only to be expected and is not in any way a slight against the band and their skill. Besides, the large majority of bands that arrive too fully formed from the onset quickly peter out (Oasis, Stone Roses, hopefully not The Strokes) while bands with potential that develop gradually often have long, fruitful careers (Wilco, Deerhoof, Blonde Redhead).

As a debut, FBC is not only promising, but is also a significant accomplishment in itself. This is one channel you don’t want to skip.

Fantasy Black Channel is available now from Parlophone Records.

Tracklisting:
01. Hot Tent Blues
02. Broken
03. Space And The Woods
04. The Bears Are Coming
05. Random Firl
06. Heartbeat
07. Whitesnake
08. VW
09. Focker
10. The Enemy Are The Future
11. Mad Dogs And Englishmen
12. Bathroom Gurgle

Late of the Pier: website | myspace

Written By: Marc Z Grub

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