The development from Battered Fish's first album Lure to their second Megawhat was astounding. Not only was there the difference of going from a mostly acoustic sound to angry electric rock, but the design and production elements took a big step forward. Battered Fish continues to take giant steps forward in their latest release Modern. The first thing that catches your eye is the packaging, a very picturesque art show throughout the CD panels which shows the band's attention to detail.
Battered Fish has a sound that can be classified as true Modern Rock. The CD starts out with "Wish," a track which opens with swirling guitars reminiscent of Starflyer 59 or the Prayer Chain. From this opening, the song attacks the listener's senses and carries you away on a trail of feedback. "Set-up" follows and talks about solutions that you think might be answers but aren't because you have just been set-up with the world's answers which aren't always right. Caleb James's voice is very soothing and distinctive. Along with Jeremy Bennett's flowing bass and Matthew Gray's drumming, the result is a tight band whose music spews emotion.
The best example of Battered Fish's emotional intensity is "Sometimes" which utilizes a cello to add to a wonderful ride through layered music. The song talks about a "sadness that has known me too long" and "a happiness has broken through the ground." The eleventh track, "To the Reverend Love," is a musical journey back to the 50's where hip was at its peak and is somewhat reminiscent of Propellerheads' "History Repeating."
Battered Fish are from Australia and have a strong following down there, but to most outside that land this treasure remains hidden. Given a chance, this band could be the next big thing in a growing list of Australian bands doing well in the US.
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #81Reviewed by David M. PoggeHere's a delicious piece of work that you would never find at Long John Silver's. Battered Fish play a unique strain of modern rock that will have your foot tapping with excitement from the very start. Good catchy songs, and passionate vocals combine for the perfect recipe for a quality album. If you or someone you know enjoys what has become known as "modern rock," buy this CD at the first…Decapolis 2000Reviewed by ConradThis album is laid back alternative rock. Everything this band does is pretty competent. They have a good grasp on songwriting and musicianship. Once in a while the vocals and music reminded me a little of Radiohead. The vocals for the most part were subdued but still sounded good. The production was really good. Although this genre isn't my style, it didn't really annoy me that much. I'm sure if…Decapolis 2000Reviewed by Tom BastianThese guys are pretty cool. The more and more I listened to it the more it seems to grow on me. Vocally they reminded me a little bit of Morrissey, Radiohead, or some of those other English sounding modern rock bands. Modern Rock, thats pretty much what you have here. The songwriting is good, the lyrics clever, and the diversity throughout the album is just right so not to bore you with the same…Decapolis 2000Reviewed by TimThis is probably one of the best "slow music" albums we have reviewed. The singers voice was really bland throughout the cd, but the songs were great. The melodies were pretty good and each song was fairly interesting and well distinguishable from the rest of the album. BDecapolis 2000Reviewed by Matt R.Released some time ago on the Australian label Toupee Records, Velvet Blue released it stateside this past summer, giving Americans a chance to hear them for the first time, even though they have been around for a while and have a host of releases. At first the record just has a typical modern rock sound to it with a British feel, but as the record progresses the songs start to really show off…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Jeff ElbelCaleb James has come stunningly into his own, with impassioned vocals leaving a song's every emotion drop-dead convincing. When he reassuringly croons "don't cry" on the Verve-ish "Amazing Light," sensitive types may find themselves choking back the tears. The exceptional trio steps outside its typical format on several songs. During "The Taste," violins underscore a beautiful sense of…
