First of all, if you dig instrumental rock, you've definitely heard this before. The mournful tones, the light electronic touches, the sunset sky guitars. And you've heard it done much more competently and with much more innovation on display. This blandly forlorn EP is emblematic of the "eh" side of indie rock. Each of its five songs are hopelessly stale and naggingly static.
According to their press material, Saxon Shore had a bad break-up and filmed a documentary about it. That sort of information led me to believe I'd be listening to something grander. I began wondering why I hadn't heard the band before, being a lover of all rocks instrumental. Though, in digging up this sort of thing, I've come across a lot of just so-so releases. They're CDs that, while somewhat affecting, ultimately feel like just settling for something before the next Mogwai album arrives. Saxon Shore is one of these; so it would seem that their trials and tribulations on tour might be of more interest than the music that emerges from such discord.
To be fair, actually, Saxon Shore doesn't just rip off downtrodden instrumental rock. There is a definite Manual vibe -- particularly on the last song, with its synthetic beats and warm, wistful synth melody overlays. It's a pretty solid approximation of that sound, but I'm not so sold on Manual to begin with so... As a reviewer I have as much an obligation to those who are unaware of all these bands as to those in the know. But Saxon Shore, while you may find their pastoral sound somewhat soothing and inoffensive, are -- in the end -- hardly worth seeking out. To be fair, I haven't heard the band's previous material. But based on this EP, I definitely don't feel inspired to.
1. July 5
2. May 26
3. April 14
4. June 23
5. November 16 1. July 5
2. May 26
3. April 14
4. June 23
5. November 16
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