Despite my predilection for the perfection of the three minute pop song, I occasionally find myself drawn to the more esoteric end of the musical spectrum in search of something that has been made with exactly zero sugar. Praise Teams’ self-titled album certainly isn’t sweet yet there is, nonetheless, something appetising about these nine songs.
There is, however, no doubt that these nine examples of rambling on down the road to artistic statement are powered by angst aplenty and seasoned with a battery of oppressed emotions that are duly released. Yet, all that is here turns out to be less introspective than expected and, while there is nothing as simple as one of my beloved three minute pop songs to be found, there is a structure to these melodic musical musings that shows progression through torment into something akin to meditative peace.
I don’t suppose anybody really does angry anymore – it’s probably been made illegal by the thought police – but neither is this just nihilism set to music for, despite the curious blend of brooding synthesisers, guitars, processed vocals and digitally enhanced discontent, Praise Team scales up like a seventies folk rock band on a distinctly oblique concept album trip with some serious lyrics being delivered under the guise of mushroom flavoured poetry. Praise Team, incidentally, turn out to be a one man operation staffed by Paul McArthur (and some demons) and it is a safe bet that he doesn’t do stand-up comedy on the side.
As hippies would have said back in the day, this is deep (man) and there is little doubt that this album is more a personal statement rather than something done in pursuit of popularity or financial gain. Anyway, this rather elegant album made my ears itch and, since the only other thing to have made my ears itch recently is the South Indian Garlic Chilli Chicken from Charcoals, then that must be a good thing.
Best song: "Red Balloon".
Verdict: Esoterically enticing.