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Amazon.co.uk Review
The Music are nothing if not confounding. Their second album, Welcome to the North would, based on its title alone, suggest that this quartet wear their Northerness on their sleeve. But rather than producing yet another tired Oasis or Stone Roses pastiche, the Music decamped to the distinctly un-Northern town of Atlanta, Georgia to work with renowned rock producer Brendan O'Brien (best known for working with Pearl Jam and Soundgarden). The results are thrilling--an over-the-top, bombastic album that often manages to combine the rock power of Led Zeppelin with the epic psychedelia of Jane's Addiction (helped by frontman Robert Harvey's vocal similarities to Perry Farrell and drummer Phil Jordan's breakneck drumming, reminiscent of Stephen Perkins). And though the lyrics occasionally venture into pretension (really, who says "mine eyes" anymore?), they're made forgivable by the power of tracks like "Freedom Fighters" and "Bleed from Within" (which even boasts a drum solo). In fact, the only outright homage to their Northern indie heritage is "I Need Love", with a danceable, New Order-esque bassline that drives the whole thing along. But generally, they stick to their guns instead of their roots, making Welcome to the North a great rock album. --Robert Burrow
From the Label
Welcome to the North is the next instalment from The Music. Following on from their self titled debut album, which gave the world the crunching guitar hits 'Take the Long Road', 'The People' and 'Getaway', the new album from the boys retains the bands rock charm but is enhanced by the production talents of Brendan O'Brien. Leading the charge from the album is the single 'Freedom Fighters', which sees The Music at their truly magnificent best, with a legendary rock guitar crunch, which rings out to a riff that guitar greats would be proud of, topped off with a searing vocal performance.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Opinion seems to be varied on this new offering by Leeds' The Music. Not whether it is good or not - pretty much everyone is united in the viewpoint that it is a stonking mash of rocking guitar, breakneck drumming & dance-able rhythms - but whether or not it is better than their debut offering. In my humble opinion, it knocks the socks off its predecessor. Not because it is harder, not because it is more accessable (which it is, by the way), but simply because it is more consistent. It is hard to single out any track as being duff on here, and it stands up to repeated listening.
There are less of the (I know, everyone mentions this) Led Zep-like ramblings, and tracks have more direction about them. Of course, the better production present here might not be to everyones tastes - many were disappointed with the eponymous debut because it was too polished, it lacked the raw edge of their live performances. This is a bit of a mute point though, when the songs are just so damn good. Anyone who has heard the latest single "Freedom Fighters" will know exactly what is in store here.
In fairness, I think it has lost a little of the dance edge that their first album had. Whether this is a good thing or not, I will leave up to you. It made little difference to me. One area it falls down in is the fact there is nothing here that can match "The Truth Is No Words". Considering what a blinding track that is though, it's no great surprise. The likes of "Welcome To The North" and "Cessation" come damn close mind you.
All in all, the so called 'difficult' 2nd album has proved to be a doddle - The Music have laid a trump card, a juggernaut of a record that deserves your attention. Scrap that, it DEMANDS your attention.
Stuff Manchester, the party is kicking off in Leeds. See you there, baggy trousers and all.
There are less of the (I know, everyone mentions this) Led Zep-like ramblings, and tracks have more direction about them. Of course, the better production present here might not be to everyones tastes - many were disappointed with the eponymous debut because it was too polished, it lacked the raw edge of their live performances. This is a bit of a mute point though, when the songs are just so damn good. Anyone who has heard the latest single "Freedom Fighters" will know exactly what is in store here.
In fairness, I think it has lost a little of the dance edge that their first album had. Whether this is a good thing or not, I will leave up to you. It made little difference to me. One area it falls down in is the fact there is nothing here that can match "The Truth Is No Words". Considering what a blinding track that is though, it's no great surprise. The likes of "Welcome To The North" and "Cessation" come damn close mind you.
All in all, the so called 'difficult' 2nd album has proved to be a doddle - The Music have laid a trump card, a juggernaut of a record that deserves your attention. Scrap that, it DEMANDS your attention.
Stuff Manchester, the party is kicking off in Leeds. See you there, baggy trousers and all.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Having purchased their first album back in 2003 after seeing them live, i have eagerly waited for this album to be released.
I was hoping that their songs would be of similar standard to 'Getaway' and 'The People' which in my opinion are the stand out tracks of their first self titled album. I was wrong though as some of the songs on this album surpass their previous work.
The first track 'Welcome to the north' introduces you to the silky guitar riffs that dominate. Other stand out tracks include the single 'Freedom Fighters', 'Open your Mind' and 'Cessation'. I have to say the drumming on this album is top notch.
If you are fans of Robert Harvey's voice and rock music in general then this album is a MUST!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This album along with there last album is total oustanding quality music. I can not congratulate these guys enough. Even meeting them personally, they are so down to earth guys, the drummer actually thanked me for turning up at there gig to watch them. This album is brilliant from start to finish. Welcome to the North is just a brilliant starter, then u get the two quality singles of Freedom Fighters and Breakin, outstanding again. Then you get the best song on the album Cessation. There are no words on earth to describe how great that song is. True quality throughout. Can't belive the drumming in that song, Phil (drummer) must have being shattered after that. I could go on forever saying how brilliant this album is, go ahead and buy it and you will soon be transformed from listening to crap Franz Ferdinand, to the Awesome and Outstanding work of The Music.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Welcome to...
Okay, they have what may be the most boring name in all of rock-dom. But the Music do better in their sophomore album than in their self-titled debut, tightening up their music and... Read more
Published on 23 Mar 2007 by E. A Solinas
Brilliant songs
Every song on this album is flawless. I just wish they'd put more than one slower song on it, because it would break it up a bit more. However, individually, each song is amazing.
Published on 28 Aug 2006 by Martin
Deserved More
This album deserved so much more exposure than it got. The songs are truly original but catchy at the same time, and Brendan O'Brien's production is simply amazing without sounding... Read more
Published on 23 Jun 2006 by Adam Anteater
An absolute classic
Having read several of these reviews I have felt the need to add my own. Sure, this album is not entirely perfect, and I'm sure we are yet to see better things from this band,... Read more
Published on 8 Mar 2005 by "ahkron"
Awesome new band
I first listened to "Breakin" because my brother told me the singer sounded like Geddy Lee. Then I bought the cd and it's unbelievable. Read more
Published on 4 Jan 2005 by Earl Weinz
A bit dull compared to the first album
This is just an average rock album - you've heard it all before done a bit better by others. I was extremely disappointed having been really bowled over by the first album. Read more
Published on 2 Dec 2004 by Colin T J Scott
excellent, evolves from the sound of the 1st album
much more variety than the first album, which was groundbreaking in itself, and this album is just as good. Read more
Published on 21 Nov 2004 by T. Bigglestone
I can't stop listening, twice as good as the the first
When I first discovered this band I was blown away by how unique their sound was and the sheer power and range of Harveys voice. Read more
Published on 5 Nov 2004 by Nazboy
Weird
Having recently seen The Music live, i was really looking forward to this album. Live this band are superb, full of energy and they grab the audience from the moment they walk on... Read more
Published on 8 Oct 2004 by Phil Thompson
Change for the better?
I really wondered how the The Music were going to approach a second album as their first was fairly one dimensional (but flippin' excellent) but they have managed to pull it off. Read more
Published on 7 Oct 2004 by Grant De-Negri
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