I first head Emanuel and the Fear when a video for first single ‘Jimmie’s Song’ was sent in to Cougar HQ in early 2010. The track, with its forlorn whistling and ‘meant for the masses’ appeal, was fundamental in prompting my interest in the 11-piece band but I was in for a surprise with the rest of the ‘Listen’.
You certainly can’t berate the band for compromising their artistic vision on their full length debut which clocks in at just under 70 minutes featuring a mammoth 19 tracks. Instead they deliver their ambitious vision tackling a whole range of multifaceted musical landscapes.
So whilst there are a bunch of tracks that follow ‘Jimmie’s Song‘s’ stripped down Springsteen-esque charm this album has loads more to offer. In fact much of this album, with its sweeping orchestral movements, sits in an odd territory somewhere between Led Zeppelin‘s ‘Kashmir‘, Andrew Lloyd Webber ‘Phantom Of The Opera‘ and Disney‘s ‘Aladin’. It actually works wonders lending dramatic quality to these compositions and, coupled with a constant lyrical theme, adding a continual thread.
‘Listen’ is an ambitious album that is an anomaly in comparison with other albums on this list. Though it may not suit those looking for a quick pop fix it is a highly rewarding experience.
TRACKS:
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