Echo & The Bunnymen – Meteorites
01. Meteorites
02. Holy Moses
03. Constantinople
04. Is This A Breakdown?
05. Grapes Upon The Vine
06. Lovers On The Run
07. Burn It Down
08. Explosions
09. Market Town
10. New Horizons
A meteorite is a portion of an asteroid that survives the journey through the atmosphere and hits the ground without being destroyed. This proves to be an apt title for the Liverpool band’s selection of songs. Hardy, consistent, and plain, Meteorites is an uninspired offering from a band that has orbited the music scene for over three decades.
ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN rocketed into fame back in the 80’s, dispatching single after single and topping the UK charts with their albums Porcupine and Ocean Rain. The band has been home to a number of members, with a constant presence from vocalist Ian McCulloch, guitarist Will Sergeant. Formed back in 1978, ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN have released twelve studio albums and have been a permanent fixture in the eclectic post-punk, neo-psychedelia, alternative rock, new wave genre.
Their latest album, while smooth, is not great. Members that have walked off to do their own single acts, have come back to a sound that is tried and true, yet stale.
Meteorites opens with its self-titled track – a five-minute mash of McCulloch’s rich voice, accompanying strings and sharp appearances of Sergeant’s guitar. The rest of the album continues in this pattern. Sergeant never shines in Meteorites and McCulloch settles himself in repeated choruses. One of the bright moments in this album comes from Market Town. This seven minute track opens with a cheeky twang from Sergeant and it instantly breathes life into the listener. Market Town is so good – it almost eclipses the other nine tracks on Meteorites.
The latest album from ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN is a lackluster compilation of tracks. It is difficult to differentiate one track from another, and while not every second of an album needs to be jam-packed with sound, some sparkle is always preferred to old tricks.
ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN may have had interstellar aspirations for their latest album, yet instead of shining bright amongst the latest sights and sounds, it falls flat on its side and sputters a dull flicker.
NBHAP Rating: 2/5
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