Before...But Longer by The officiel Czars [CD]

Tracks:
Val
Concentrate
Get Used to It
Any Younger
Gangrene
Stay
Daves Dream
What Can I Do For You
Zippermouth
Pressure
Leavin on Your Mind

Performer Notes:

• The Czars: John Grant (vocals, piano); Jeff Linsenmaier (guitar, drums); Andy Monley (guitar); Chris Pearson (bass).
• The Czars debut full-length release on Robin Guthrie and Simon Raymondes (of the Coceteau Twins) Bella Union imprint is a stunning, rocking electro-folk album of controlled restraint. Vocalist and chief songwriter John Grants emotional lyrics and singing style evoke a dark, poetic imagery throughout the albums 11 tracks. One of the standout tracks is "Val," where Grant sings a brittle, deep-throated ode to emptiness. With Paula Frazer, of Tarnation, providing backup vocals against Grants commanding inflections, the album burns slowly through track and after track of percolating electronic sound foundations. "Gangrene" brings to mind a less gruff Mark Lanegan track, as it picks up steam toward a finale of intense guitar play. "Get Used to It" is an enjoyably sarcastic song detailing a personal worldview that leads to depression; it exudes a charming catchiness. Late into the song, Frazers vocals bring to mind Ennio Morricones soundtrack to Once Upon a Time in the West. "Daves Dream" is a pretty, calming number, followed immediately by "What I Can Do For You," a song which seems too catchy on first listen, before becoming an absolute joy afterwards. "Zippermouth" takes a more aggressive tone, with Grant becoming downright angry about a boring relationship, while the rest of the band gets into a dark groove; despite the harsh tone, Grant eventually expands his vocals into a lilting falsetto, giving the song the needed contrast to validate its placement on the album. It is not hyperbole to suggest that Before...But Longer is the sort of album that demands repeat listens; indeed, it becomes hard to listen to anything else. Since the album is remarkably subtle, its charms are virtually impossible to ignore. The Czars astound again and again on this album. ~ Tim DiGravina

Professional Reviews: Q (8/00, p.97) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...A vocal paradise. The music follows suit, whether mournful...nastier or pure pop....This is special."

CMJ (7/31/00, p.23) - "...An arresting collage of moody pop snapshots tinged with shady country underpinnings that both blister and soothe..."

NME (Magazine) (6/17/00, p.41) - 8 out of 10 - "...Embittered, dramatic, fragile yet utterly self-assured, the dismal memories of yesterday replayed with graceful majesty..."

Producer: Simon Raymonde, Giles Hall

Format: CD (1 Disc); Stereo

Country: USA

Studio/Live: Studio

Release Date: 1 February, 2008

Label: Bella Union

Dimensions: 12.8 x 14.4 x 1 centimeters (0.06 kg)