I've been looking forward to this one for a while, ever since Welcome to the Neighbourhood graced my ears, new Boston Manor is always welcome, and so came DATURA, part one of what seems to be a two part musical project for the Blackpool based Indie Prog Rockers, and what can I say, can these guys even miss at this point? Here's my track by track breakdown of DATURA.
(DATURA album cover, Boston Manor 2022)
Datura (Dusk) - A foreboding start for this record, that sets the tone for what's to come in a gentle way. The way the gentle hi-hat and distorted strings meld in this opening track, layered with Henry Cox's gentle vocals create a real feeling of suspense. What this track does brilliantly is build, layering more and more on top of itself as it climbs, and perfectly leads into the next track
Floodlights on the Square - We're only on track two and we're already talking highlights here, but Floodlights on the Square is a perfect example as to what Boston Manor do so well. Brilliant vocals, paired with some catchy riffing and their trademark blasting chorus', Floodlights on the Square is a sonically perfect track in this record. The way this song organically grows is also a highlight, taking the first chorus' speed and doubling down, creating a brilliantly plosive second verse. The song writing here also holds up brilliantly, and makes the perfect opening to this record, leaving me wanting nothing but more
Foxglove - Boston Manor go strength to strength on Foxglove, with another brilliant song. What shines here is how different, yet similar this track is to the last, it feels like a perfectly natural progression from the previous song. The thunderous bassline through the chorus is one that gives me permanent goose-bumps, and the more electronic tones here blend perfectly with the rawness of the delivery and instrumentation here. Once again, a brilliant brilliant track.
Passenger - Passenger is a blindingly quick trip into feelings of hopelessness and abandonment, set to a blisteringly fast drum beat that is guaranteed to get any heart pumping. Again, this is a masterclass of how to build up suspense into and from a chorus, and rarely gives in to its pace, slamming on and yet on through its roughly four minute run time. The bridge really thrives in this sense, with the change in pace once again leaving me waiting for the inevitable slam back into the chorus, with the brilliant guitar part shining through the final chorus. This one is another treat for the ears.
Crocus - Now, if I'm 100% honest, Crocus is a change in pace I wasn't expecting, and wasn't all too sure I enjoyed. The walking bassline is fun along with another thumping drum part but the mildly autotuned lyrics aren't really doing it for me. The first verse builds yet again more really good tension, but the chorus lacks a bit of that drive and power shown in previous tracks. The vocal notes in the chorus are also an odd choice, with the tone feeling slightly off in some places. It's a shame, especially as this was one of three tracks that wasn't released as a single, but I'm sure a lot of people love it, and that's fine by me.
Shelter from the Rain - This one acts as an interlude between Crocus and the next track. That's about it, although it sets a nice tone, it does go on a bit at three minutes, but as it bleeds into the next track, you realise that actually without this, the album would be much worse off.
Inertia - Well, all I can really say is 'what a way to finish a record'. Inertia delivers on all the brilliant things Boston Manor have done in this record and makes them better, building once again amazing and coherent rise and fall, growing from the tail end of the previous tracks. Inertia is another piece of evidence that this record is potentially the most cohesive the band have ever been, soaring at pace as well as being able to reign it in for some really brilliant vocal moments. The solid instrumentation also shines through here, and makes for a brilliant way to bring this project to a definitive close.
(Blackpool five-piece Boston Manor, image courtesy of Kerrang!)
Overall - This record, front to back, is one of my favourite Boston Manor albums ever, holding up to the likes of Be Nothing and Welcome to the Neighbourhood. Once again the band has proven they can grow and evolve naturally, and have created a stunningly cohesive record that's a treat to sit through front to back. Although I didn't particularly vibe with one of the tracks, feeling it lacked a bit of the classic Boston Manor drive, it's a minuscule mark on this otherwise flawless record. I urge anyone to find DATURA in either physical or digital forms, find some time to just listen front to back, and I promise you won't be disappointed.
Highlights - Floodlights on the Square, Foxglove, Passenger, Inertia
Rating - 9/10
TL;DR - Sit down and listen to this record. It's a brilliant array of vocal and instrumental perfection that perfectly defines it's sound and allows it to grow and evolve throughout. Brilliant work from Boston Manor once again.
Oh yeah did I mention I met Henry Cox in Edinburgh a while back? Lovely guy.
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