Euphoric /// Heartbreak \\\ Review

Released: Apr 4, 2011
Genre: Indie Rock
Label: Columbia
Number Of Tracks: 11
Overall this is a very sad record but it's delivered in such a wonderful way. The album is also the best record from Scotland since Franz Ferdinand's self-titled debut.

Sound:	7
Lyrics:	10
Impression:	9
Overall rating:	8.3
Reviewer rating:	8.7
Users rating:	8
Votes:	2

Reviewed by: unregistered, on may 05, 2011

Sound: "Euphoric /// Heartbreak \\\" by Glasvegas is a change in sound from the band. The record was written in Santa Monica Beach in a summer home which the band rented. Before the recording process started drummer Caroline McKay left the band due to personal reasons (which almost made the bend broke up) the band continued writing and demoing tracks before heading back to the UK to record the album with acclaimed producer Flood (Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails, Sigur Ros). The record is a concept album about heartbreak. The first two singles ("The World Is Yours", "Euphoria Take My Hand") from the sounds of them sound brilliant and on paper this album should work brilliantly. It's a different step from their debut Glasvegas but this record has proven that Glasvegas are not a band that only wrote one great record. // 7

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are wonderfully written and show James Allan's inner genius. "Pain Pain Never Again" and "Change" feature Allan's mother reading out the lyrics. The lyrics follow the theme of Heartbreak adding to the concept record. The lyrics also have Homosexual themes in songs ("Stronger Than Dirt" and "I Feel Wrong") both a parts of the song "Homosexuality Part 1 & 2". If anything no album has been this lyrically deep for a very long time. After a few songs you start to understand why the album is called "Euphoric /// Heartbreak \\\" to the point where no other title seems suitable. But not all of the tracks are about break ups the track "The World Is Yours" is about the commitment of someone who offers himself to his lover after fantasizing a relationship with someone. // 10

Impression: Overall this is a very sad record but it's delivered in such a wonderful way. Riffs and tracks to get a bit repetitive, slow and depressing. But its all forgotten after listening to stand out tracks like ("The World Is Yours", "Shine Like Stars", "Stronger Than Dirt" and "Euphoria Take My Hand"). The album is also the best record from Scotland since Franz Ferdinand's self-titled debut. The albums strong points are the themes and lyrics while let downs are some of the songs in the middle of the album which get a bit whiny. Glasvegas's have also proved that even with a new drummer they can still write music and not seem a bit unsettled or awkward. The band has also stated that their live shows are getting better and that now people don't complain about the quality of the show (not going long enough or James Allan's vocals weren't up to scratch). Overall this record is a wonderful follow up to a wonderful record it deserves all the praise it gets. // 9

Comments

[thenirve]

its just one of those albums that sends waves through your ears, but never resonates in your cavities. it is quite unfortunate actually. Because I so truly enjoyed Glasvegas's first album. They seemed to have taken a more direct route toward fame, which, inadvertently propelled them to mediocrity.

[radicalegoman]

Im not trying to be up myself or anything but i actually wrote this review i forgot to log in and by the time i realized what happened the review was on its way to Ultimate Guitar. If you have any feedback about this review or just want to say it was crap then send me a message.