1 post tagged “athlete”
The new album from London-based Athlete is now out (download from 7Digital here)
Once upon a time Athlete were a worship band called 'Wondercub' and then just 'Cub', and very good they were. Something or someone whispered to them that a wilder and wider world was calling, and they disappeared from view for a year in East London. They wrote songs, rehearsed and sweated over their decsion, until their new name and first album 'Vehicles and Animals' was born. Acclaim was almost instant (they were nominated for the Mercury prize), and the follow-up 'Tourist' was even more enthusuatically received (the biggest single release 'Wires' received an Ivor Novello songwriting award).
'Beyond the Neighbourhood' sees the band growing in confidence and maturity. Joel Potts remains an excelllent lyricist, and the band are still willing to experiment - this time with the beats of European electro-dance.The title is ironic, since the band have built their own studio a stones-throw from their various homes in Deptford.
Best of all, these boys are still a worship band. Not in the same way as before, and not with quite the same lyrics, but Joel's passion and honesty remain, and there is something hugely uplifting, creational and joyous about their songs.
If you think Bono is the only faith-born poet to dress the heart of a Psalmist in the jacket of rock and roll, have a listen to athlete and think again... you can hear samples of the new album at http://www.athlete.mu/ .
