Heroes To Zeros

'Space', the second track picks up gamely where 'Assessment' left off with swaggering bass/drum interaction that betrays the hip hop/dub influence the Beta Band have internalised and yet made entirely their own. 'Lion Thief', has been an early fan favourite, harking back to the Three EP's era with it's folk inflected intro before progressing to a groove centred piece utilising the same riff. This is also an excellent example of the way the whole album works, described by Beta Band frontman Steve Mason as like 'the Milky Way in a tea cup.' This is an album that initially feels densely layered, with whole new spaces opening up open repeated listening. However, if one really pays attention, it becomes apparent that the songs seem to wax and wane, building euphorically to a swell only to plunge the listener into a brief space where Steve Mason's voice is given full reign to pervade your entire being. This is no more obvious than in the sprawling funk of 'Easy', though Richard Greentree takes on vocal duty here.

'Out-Side' raises the album back to exultant heights after a reflective break, only for 'Space Beatle' to combine downbeat verses with transcendent choruses. 'Rhododendron' sounds like 'Pet Sounds' for today, showcasing a beautiful organ sound coupled with synth melody and excellent percussion. Any retro vibe is rapidly dismantled by the futuristic indie dub groove of 'Liquid Bird', whose hard-edged sound is in turn countered by 'Simple.' The heart-rending introduction melds effortlessly with the gargantuan groove that follows it, echoing the Smiths in the way you want to dance and cry at the same time.

This album works superbly as a whole, and goes a further step to fulfilling the potential that it has long been acknowledged is possessed by this band. The closing track, 'Pure For', offers the listener a resolution in the mantra of "I'm so glad you found me," nicely rounding off the emotional journey of the album. 'Heroes to Zeros' is an album tailored neatly to fit the crowd who find themselves alienated from the emotionally shallow music scene of today, and I hope it brings the Beta Band the success that has long eluded them.

The album starts off strong with the thumping & very rock sounding, Assessment. With use of triumphant trumpets near the end give it that anthem like quality "dry the rain" had from the 3 eps.

Then track two "space", takes attention away from the guitars, and uses a more trippy sound with the drums giving the song a really uplifting feel. It's one of these sing along ones "lalalala". But it works well. As most of the album actually is.

Most of the songs have a stop start quality about them, with the catchy rhythms, sounds and vocals all coming together. Unlike their first actual album "The Beta Band" there seems to be a connection, has a sound that suggests it could work live. It's not so random. A good example of this is "lion thief". Wouldn't seem out of place on Hot Shots II

The highlight track for me however is "wonderful". Beautifully constructed, with "she's so wonderful" repeated delicately, then moving into the powerful drums and guitar, then going back to a slow beat you'd expect on a King Tubby album.

The album is one of these ones that’ll grow on you, I know I won't stop listening to it, and the more I do, the more it makes me smile and want to sing along. And that is what music should be about!