Belle & Sebastian: The Life Pursuit

Belle and Sebastian's latest studio release manages to capture some of the magic of their earlier work but compares more to Dear Catastrophe Waitress than any of the bands marquee earlier releases. The band has shifted away from some of the dreamy songs of yesterday into a bluesier, more rockin' sound, ala Super Furry Animals or the Shins.



I can imagine enjoying "We Are The Sleepyheads" in a summertime back yard with the grill fired-up and a beer in hand; but didn't find a moment on the album that brought on the introspective mood earlier Belle and Sebastian often inspired. No moment on this record made me think about an ex-girlfriend and the ill-advised attraction I once harbored for her. Tracks like "Act of the Apostle II" drag; seemingly on the album only in attempts to fill it out and create a balance between the faster pace of the album's stronger songs. The Life Pursuit is at its best with the tracks like "Another Sunny Day" and "For The Price of A Cup of Tea" where Stuart Murdoch finds his voice meshing nicely with the delicious sunny pop sounds of the instruments accompanying him.

The Life Pursuit sounds like it should have lots of tracks with hand-clapping, but instead the band opts for more luscious and complex arrangements. In the past, Belle and Sebastian has often found a way to have the best of both worlds; but ultimately it's this departure from simplicity that leaves the album lacking a bit. The energy is there, but some substance is missing.

posted by Tim Danger @ 11:51 PM