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[one_half last=”yes”]PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING
The Race For Space
Release-Date: 23.02.2015
Label: Test Card Recordings
Tracklist:
01. The Race For Space
02. Sputnik
03. Gagarin
04. Fire In The Cockpit
05. E.V.A.
06. The Other Side
07. Valentina
08. Go!
09. Tomorrow
NBHAP Rating: 4,2/5
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Space is the limit
Sometimes you have to do it like a proper American citizen and just ‘think big.’ Even when you’re actually a kind British lad. For their second studio album PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING chose an ambitious and interesting theme: The American and Soviet space race between 1957 and 1972 marks the script for the band’s new record. And on The Race For Space mastermind J. Willgoose, Esq. and his drumming companion Wrigglesworth unveil a quite vital version of global history. Just like their acclaimed 2013 debut Inform – Educate – Entertain they mix historic television vocal samples with a wild mixture of sounds. And this time they go even further.
Shoot for the moon
At the beginning there was a daring promise. At the beginning Kennedy declared Americans would walk on the moon before the decade was over. Although it became a bit tied at the end he was proved correct in the end, although he was unfortunately never able to witness Neil Armstrong walking on the moon. Kennedy’s speech marks the starting point for The Race For Space. Right after it, the Soviets take lead as Sputnik unfolds itself as a grooving piece of electronica. A new sound for PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING which also goes for Gagarin and its surprisingly funky nature. Still, the good times won’t last long as Fire In The Cockpit reminds us of all the tragic loss the Cold War-based space race caused back then.
Televised history
Willgoose and Wrigglesworth keep their formula but add plenty of new ingredients to it. London-based duo SMOKE FAIRIES, for example who give Valentina its floating character. The sound looks way more focussed and diversified. From shoegaze-inspired guitar overloads to gentle piano melodies – PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING composed a score to humanity’s televised history. The energetic Go! focuses on the moon landing while the melancholic Tomorrow is based on the final Apollo mission number 17. The Race For Space is a short experience, unfortunately. But it’s a joyful and eclectic new approach from a very unique-working band. The British duo is one of the most interesting musical acts around at the moment. You can’t appreciate that enough. Time for them to think in bigger dimensions.
PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING’s second LP ‘The Race For Space’ is an ambitious concept record with an entertaining and unique approach.
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