Journal
Athlete - Tourist
Posted on February 2nd, 2005, in the morning
I've been looking forward to this album since hearing 'Wires' at Shepherds Bush at the end of the last tour. Even the Guardian's supercilious review did little to dampen my anticipation (did this article running in the same edition have anything to do with their reviewer's snottiness?). The Amazon package dropped through my letterbox (three or four days ahead of schedule!) yesterday, and the CD was in my stereo within minutes.
Some reviewers are suggesting that Athlete have abandoned the quirky sound of Vehicles and Animals in favour of generic ColdPatrol earnest melancholia. Tourist is certainly a darker album, but it's still Athlete through and through. A new direction for their sound, but with all the key elements (Joel's distinctive phrasing, Tim's strange keyboard noises...). I can't imagine too many V&A fans will be disappointed.
Alongside 'Wires', other stand-outs include the brilliantly lopsided title track 'Tourist', the quiet beauty of 'Street Map', and the gospel choir on 'If I Found Out'. It's a strong, consistent album, and a grower, I think.
'Tourist' has been No.1 on the Amazon.co.uk Hot 100 for days, so evidently I'm not the only one who was looking forward to it. Stand by for the official UK album chart on Sunday!
