Pale Saints - Slow Buildings

Pale Saints' "Slow Buildings," the band's third album, is generally well-received, though opinions vary. It's seen as a departure from their earlier shoegaze sound, with some critics appreciating the reinvention and others missing Ian Masters' vocals. AllMusic says the album is still a strong record, even if it's a letdown compared to the previous album, "In Ribbons". Overall "Slow Buildings" is generally considered a solid album, albeit a departure from the band's earlier work. It's seen as a testament to the band's ability to evolve and reinvent themselves, with strong songwriting and performances from the new lineup. While some may miss the classic Pale Saints sound, the album offers a compelling listen in its own right, particularly for fans of Britpop, jangle pop, and atmospheric music.

Review by Jack Rabid

A letdown can still be a strong record. Pale Saints' second LP In Ribbons (1992) was an instantly memorable gilded masterwork, as texturally splendid as it was jarring and creative. But then enigmatic singer Ian Masters walked, taking his songwriting and bass playing with him, as evidenced by his moody and momentous LP Spoonfed Hybrid. Slow Buildings is nonetheless proof that Pale Saints were wise to carry on with Meriel Barham stepping up to full-time vocalist and former Heart Throbs member Colleen Browne joining on bass. No question, Masters is missed. There's nothing here as starkly beautiful as "A Thousand Stars Burst Open," as breathtaking as "Hunted," as pulverizing as "Throwing Back the Apple," or as enveloping as the last four songs on The Comforts of Madness, Pale Saints' 1990 debut. And some of the songs on this album's last half fail to maintain the first half's compelling quality -- perhaps some of the 57 minutes could have been cut, though none of it is bad. However, the single "Fine Friend" is almost as entrancing and pretty as Mazzy Star's "Fade Into You" (to which it's often compared), as is the similar "One Blue Hill." The less manic Breeders fire of "Angel (Will You Be My?)" and "Under Your Nose" are nice and pointed, and best of all, the opening instrumental "King Fade" continues the band's fascinating ability to capture a disjointed, off-kilter, and dazzling "sea of sound." Hugh Jones shows again why he's one of the best producers of the '80s/'90s; his bass/drums mixes are impeccable, and he captures the sharpest guitar sounds known to man. (Guitarist Graeme Naysmith is a perfect foil; check out the detonations in the hypnotic "Henry.") Stripped of Masters' pop sense, these melodic lines are far more subtle, so more effort is required to get into Slow Buildings. Indeed, everything here does build slowly.

Ripped to MP3

1 - King Fade

2 - Angel (Will You Be My)

3 - One Blue Hill

4 - Henry

5 - Under Your Nose

6 - Little Gesture

7 - Song of Solomon

8 - Fine Friend

9 - Gesture of a Fear

10 - Always I

11 - Suggestion