This Et Al | Baby Machine

This Et Al: Baby Machine

After appearing on a Maida Vale session for BBC Radio 1 earlier in the year and completing a hectic national tour schedule, I think it would be safe to assume that This Et Al are a band clearly going places.

Although the Leeds based outfit's debut album is not officially released until early 2007, a limited amount of advance copies have been made available. Recorded with local producer Richard Green (of Ultrasound and The Somatics fame) in his all-analogue Studio, Baby Machine consists of feedback drenched, alternating heavy and soaring guitar lines and crashing drums. Lyrically, this is one hell of an angry affair with subjects such as betrayal, police corruption, domestic violence and drug abuse all getting a mention, and it's delivered via the loose and adaptable vocal style of Et Al frontman Wu (whilst baring an uncanny resemblance to that of ¡Forward, Russia! lead vocalist Tom Woodhead).

Highlights include the relentless 'Warden', which carries a major hook in the chorus, the recent single 'Sabbatical' with its momentary lush soundscapes and 'You've Driven For Miles' which features a euphoric blend of epic/distorted guitar.

In the end, Baby Machine is a dynamic and explosive take on the post punk/rock sound that has already taken Leeds counterparts ¡Forward, Russia! into the NME's Top 40 Records Of 2006, and it's a further sign of continuity from the emergent Leeds scene. The only negative issue (from what is otherwise a solid debut) is that on a national level questions may arise. Are the record buying public ready for another band similar to the likes of ¡Forward, Russia!? The first half of 2006 would certainly suggest so, but with the rapidly evolving market it's surely a time to wait and see. Lets hope 2007 brings This Et Al the credit they deserve.

Comments

Sam Saunders wrote...

It might be worth mentioning that This Et Al's general approach predates the formation of ¡Forward, Russia! by some months. There are connections (they shared a split single and more than one stage). But I don't think this album provides much evidence of a shared sound.

Profile | Posted 1st January 2007 at 17:26

instantrick wrote...

I heard a vicious rumour that This Et Al used to spell their name like this: Th!s Et Al!, but I don't bel!eve !t (He he)

Profile | Posted 3rd January 2007 at 09:15

Colin_B wrote...

I think the similarities are pretty obvious Sam. And with regards to "which band formed first" or "who pushed this sound first", is it really relevant?

Profile | Posted 3rd January 2007 at 22:36

Sam Saunders wrote...

If I didn't think it was relevant I wouldn't have made the comment.

Profile | Posted 4th January 2007 at 07:27

Colin_B wrote...

I'm sorry it wasn't up to your standards Sam. Are you going to come back to the forum? I miss you (no sarcasm, i do actually miss you).

Profile | Posted 4th January 2007 at 19:52

Sam Saunders wrote...

I thought your review was a good one ... it got me involved and thinking. If you want to check my version it's at whisperinandhollerin.com - you might have to do a search to retrieve it. There is absolutely no chance of me getting involved in the forum again.

Profile | Posted 5th January 2007 at 07:24

Colin_B wrote...

I read your review beforehand. I liked it - i like all your reviews. At least come back to the music forum Sam. Are you going to the folk extravaganza at The City Vareties on the 20th? i'm sure it was you that mentioned it sometime ago.

Profile | Posted 7th January 2007 at 13:44

Review of This Et Al's CD "Baby Machine"