Before The Walls Came Down - Computer Club [UK] Album Review

Computer Club

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Album Review

Computerclub: another nu-rave techie-sounding name soon to be emanating from the speakers of your local record store, or so you thought. Birmingham raw indie quartet's first album is set to be a stonker as yet another band with an alternative moniker prepares to grace the charts.

The band have your attention from the very start of the opening track, 'Glorious', a heartfelt anthem and a perfect way to draw you in, although it's essentially mediocre compared to the rest of the offering.

'Before The Walls Came Down' was written in a 9-day musical binge adding to its anticipating, urgent feel. The album is an eclectic mix of desperate vocals, deep bass and creamy melodies, and was produced by Paul Corkett, who has also worked with the likes of Radiohead and Placebo.

BTWCD is an upbeat mélange of desperate and featherweight indie, landing back-to-basics with obvious riffs and catchy choruses. However, don't get me wrong, this is nothing like The Feeling, although CC sound proper enough to let your mother listen to. Computerclub's punchy energy is reminiscent of The Editors and The Departure, particularly on tracks 'This Is On Fire', and 'Your Enemy' - moody, driving songs that really stand out. 'Stop', is more an eerie echo of nostalgic longing.

On the upbeat and innocent 'Fragile Minds', emotive vocals and offbeat rhythm steer the collection of tracks in a whole new direction, offering an electro addiction to the mix. As the album continues, Computerclub begin to push boundaries of aural exploration, and what a fantastic journey it is.

Computerclub's debut album name bears reference to the band's history rather than denoting they are simply serious about their music-making. This, and the album's overall sound, suggests tales of real friendship and loss surrounding the loss of drummer Steve Brookes to an operation resulting in the removal of cartilage in one hand. Final track, 'If Only We Both Believed This Is True', was the last track Steve was to drum on. Recorded in a darkened room lit only a lamp shining towards his head, Steve in tears, the band gathered for a hug as he packed up his gear for the final time. A perfect end to an album and an era, with second single 'Electrons and Particles' hidden at the end for good measure.

Computerclub sound hopeful as they embrace their journey with Drummer 2.0 Richie Grinter. Perhaps hopefully, you'll join their club.

Kim Sklinar