Nord Express “Loveland 1995 – 2005” (peapod Recordings, 2007)

This is their music

Mixing the bucolic post-rock of Loftus, the early sounds of Thrill Jockey with Galaxie 500 is a good move and here it synthesises perfectly on ‘Sun Falls’ with a recurring acoustic motif, mid-paced wood block percussion, metronomic undercurrents and a keen sense of pop melody. Mostly though it is pure Galaxie 500 that flows through these songs showing a remarkable consistency of vision over a decade. They even have the same way with cover versions that Dean Wareham has, that is the songs are digested and then egested in a form which suggests they are originals written by the performer. So here Jesse Garon’s ‘Wealth of Nations’ becomes another gentle anthem with acoustic and electric guitars caressing the tune. The Wedding Present’s ‘Blonde’ is gift wrapped slow-burn, soft as snow falling.

Anyone still lamenting the split of Galaxie 500 (or even Luna) will find solace here - there’s much beauty in these simmering shimmering songs, a little too close to be praised too highly but a beguiling listen all the same.

Date review added:  Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Reviewer:  David Cowling
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  Label site