- Audio CD (29 Oct 2007)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Label: Universal / Island
- ASIN: B000T97XFM
- Other Editions: Audio CD | MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 45,846 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
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Product Description
Review
If ever a band were never going to live up to expectation, it was Nine Black Alps. Despite sounding like a bunch of teens trying to be Nirvana, the band caused one of the biggest feeding frenzies that Manchester has ever seen when they got signed a few years back.
Hailed as everything from the saviours of post-rock to kings of their home-town, they proceeded to release a debut, Everything Is, that was - rather unsurprisingly - sturdy, enjoyable but utterly derivative.
Not reaching the impossible dream might have destroyed a weaker band, but the Alps are bigger and better than that. In many ways, Love/Hate should be seen as their debut as, having been plucked before they grew, it is the first album that sounds like them, rather than their idols.
There are still plenty of influences flying about, but they are better understood for the most part. That said, "So In Love" is a little to close to a Pixies off-cut for comfort.
Strongest amongst the new inputs is that of the American West Coast, where the band hung out during the making of the record. As a result, there are more tambourines and less screams, as the sunshine of California shines into the songs.
But it's more than simply a locational thing. Last time, it was all angst, anger and angular guitars, and while that's not completely gone, there's a breeziness to the collection that points to a band that's grown and begun to feel more comfortable with the whole process of record making.
Indeed, there are even brilliant pop moments - the acoustic break in "The Bitter End" or the rolling beat of "Happiness And Satisfaction", for example - that wouldn't be out of place on a McFly album, though what Danny and the boys would do with the fiery squalling guitars of "Heavier Than Water", the angered anguish of "Burn Faster" or the beautiful exhaustion of "Future Wife" is anyone's guess.
So Love/Hate lives up to some of those early expectations. It is an album of maturity, of ability and of inventiveness. It's not without its problems, but it pushes through them, never getting bogged down in arguments of derivation and reinvention.
It doesn't quite shine with glory, but it does sparkle, and it shows that, while Nine Black Alps may not be about to save the musical world, they will definitely make it better. --Chris Long
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I'm always surprised when I read that people consider this to be a complete departure from their first album 'Everything is'. Both are excellent but I think this is a marginally better album. It's not a departure, it's an evolution of the sound. Sure, it's more mature, and I can see why people don't like that from their rock stars, but it's still got the core of anguished vocals and heavy guitars. I'd say it's got an equal number of proper rock songs as 'Everything is', and rather than the rest being Nirvana-derivative 'Not Everyone' and 'Shot down' , and reflective 'Behind Your Eyes' and 'Intermission' - some excellent songs, but here comes the point - 'Love/Hate''s lighter offerings are more rounded pop-rock such as 'Bitter End' and 'Future Wife'.
Comparing 'Love/Hate' to Snow Patrol is ridiculous and pure hyperbole. This album is full of angular chugging guitars, interesting cadences, energetic vocals and driving-rhythms. Just listen to the blistering entrance of 'Forget My Name', and 'Painless''s guitar solo. On the whole it's not that different from their first album, and where it does differ it's because this album is more musical. And for a music album, that's no bad thing. If you're a fan of Nine Black Alps then approach this with an open mind and you should really enjoy it. I highly recommend this album to any fans of rock music.
Comparing 'Love/Hate' to Snow Patrol is ridiculous and pure hyperbole. This album is full of angular chugging guitars, interesting cadences, energetic vocals and driving-rhythms. Just listen to the blistering entrance of 'Forget My Name', and 'Painless''s guitar solo. On the whole it's not that different from their first album, and where it does differ it's because this album is more musical. And for a music album, that's no bad thing. If you're a fan of Nine Black Alps then approach this with an open mind and you should really enjoy it. I highly recommend this album to any fans of rock music.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
... that produced the superb "Everything Is" ? I was excited and to learn that there was a follow up to their wonderful debut. And good god, does dissapointment hit hard. Everything that well "Everything Is" was, "Love/Hate" isn't. Powerful ? No, this is limp. Insipid even. Exciting ?. Nope dull. Flat. If you have nothing positive to say then you shouldn't say anything I guess. I suspect they'll slip away now into obscurity or disband on the back of this. Such a tragic end when "Everything Is" delivered and promised so much.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Extremely disappointed with this album & can't understand the change in direction. They've gone from an edgy indie/rock band with 'Everything Is' to a bland MOR/pop act with 'Love/Hate'.
Was really looking forward to this album following 'Everything Is' which rated between 4 - 5 stars however after a few plays of this will now go to the bottom of the pile.
If you like bland, throwaway music then get 'Love/Hate' on the other hand if you prefer something with some edge & quality get 'Everything Is'- It's hard to believe its the same band on both albums.
Was really looking forward to this album following 'Everything Is' which rated between 4 - 5 stars however after a few plays of this will now go to the bottom of the pile.
If you like bland, throwaway music then get 'Love/Hate' on the other hand if you prefer something with some edge & quality get 'Everything Is'- It's hard to believe its the same band on both albums.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
2nd album syndrome.
unfortunately nine black alps seem to have caught the second album syndrome that is effecting alot of modern english bands over the last few years....
it sounds very... Read more
it sounds very... Read more
Published on 17 Feb 2008 by no way.....WAY!
Difficult second album? What difficult second album?
After thier amazing debut it was hard to seen how NBA could top themselves. In fact they could have just churned out the same album again and it would have been great. Read more
Published on 27 Dec 2007 by Mr. M. Rogers
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!
i've seen this band live on a few occasions and had the opportunity of chatting with them. they are really nice guys and the best british band around today. Read more
Published on 23 Oct 2007 by Mr. E. Maclennan
A Welcome return
NB - I have not listened to this album yet! However, the tracklisting is familiar to those of us fortunate enough to have seen NBA live this year. Read more
Published on 7 Sep 2007 by ...
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