British Sea Power - Valhalla Dancehall

Valhalla Dancehall opens with the powerful 'Who’s In Control'. With heavy guitars and gripping drum beats, the album gets off to a fast paced, exciting start. The following few tracks keep up the party pace and any one of them is a potential single. 'Mongk II' speaks of losing oneself in the rhythm, which when paired with lead singer Yan’s distorted vocals creates a robotic, intimidating feel to the song. First single from the album 'Living Is So Easy' talks of northern girls and southern boys going to the party. However, the sombre air of the song makes the listener feel it would be more one of those parties where everyone sits round and drinks wine rather than swings from chandeliers as with the first few tracks from the album.

Following this, the album takes a more laid back approach, making the listener reminiscent of the days when the Polyphonic Spree reined the air waves. With the intense guitars taking a back seat, the album gets an almost hypnotic air, reaching a climax in 'Once More Now'. At just over 11 minutes long, the song is almost enough to lull the listener to sleep, only to be woken up by significantly livelier introduction to the final track 'Heavy Water'. The gentler second half of the album seems to suit Yan’s soothing vocals better and the result seems more natural to the band.

The album exhibits everything from British Sea Power’s box of tricks. There’s beautiful strings teamed with heavenly vocals, contrasting with the fast paced, guitar based first tracks on the album. Some parts of the album are spot on and just ooze what the band does best, whereas earlier songs seem out of place and forced. All in all, it’s quite a ride, and you’d better hold on.

Like it? Try The Hold Steady, Polyphonic Spree and Jarvis Cocker

Valhalla Dancehall – Out Now - ★★☆☆☆

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