If there was an album that I was desperately waiting to drop in 2024 it was Galvanize by A Sudden Burst of Colour, a group of lads from my hometown of Motherwell, Scotland; released on the same day as the Smile’s second album, I have not given Thom, Johnny, and Tom’s sophomore work the attention it deserves because I have been so wrapped up … maybe even galvanized … in ASBOC’s latest.
A Sudden Burst Of Colour may not be new to you … they have released a number of singles and EPs over the last ten years or so. These releases have signposted their talent … a talent that comes to the fore on this album.
And what an album Galvanize is: 8 tracks, 41 minutes of sheer unbridled joy … their form of instrumental rock has been on repeat for most of the week in my house: one of the perks of working-from-home is I can listen to whatever I want without the need of earbuds … and this week Galvanize was it.
Theirs is a tight, sinewy, taut guitar sound … one that is crisp and clean, and yet can get big and brash … one that utilises delay really, really well (think a whole lot of The Edge with none of the Bono)… that is underpinned by subtle synth soundscapes and an excellent dynamic rhythm section comprising bass and drums that really helps to provide a palpable sense of euphoric anticipation on tracks such as ‘Beneath the Green Cascade’.
Other tracks of note include the opening track, ‘Vertigo Season’, which sets the tone for the whole album with its melodic and engaging instrumental rock; and ‘Electric Century’ (a nod to two pubs in Motherwell?) which builds upon the opener and has a really beautiful soft/loud post-rock dynamic.
‘The Thread of Time’ highlights how well they handle more downtempo, ambient sounds … the sweeping guitars, woozy synths and gentle percussion really ground this track as a delightful mid-album track and precursor for the absolute banger, ‘Pulsator’, with its steady 4/4 beat and upbeat, energetic electronics and guitars … it reminds me of early Tycho with the layering of guitar and synth sounds every time I hear it.
Galvanize is an absolute pleasure with ‘The North Orchard’ and ‘Chromium Rush’ building upon ASBOC’s wonderfully engaging instrumental rock sound … it finishes with the magnificent “Silencer” which is a case study in post-rock dynamics … a fine ending to a superb album.
Before I finish I must give kudos to the graphic designer who’s album art for Galvanize is truly brilliant and expressive, conveying Motherwell as no one else has. I cannot wait to get my physical copy so I can play “name the landmark”.
I cannot speak highly enough of this album … it is definitely up there as one of the best instrumental rock albums that I’ve heard in ages … which is testament to the graft of the lads who make up ASBOC and is, no doubt at all, inspired by their home town, Motherwell. This is a self-produced and independent release that deserves all the attention it gets.
Truly first class.
