THE SETTING SON (Before I Eat My Eyes & Ears) LP/CD
If you dig the music from the 1960's as much as I do then there's no way around THE SETTING SON. But perhaps you are already familiar with the self-titled debut and the following full-length 'Spring Of Hate'. If yes, then you'll love 'Before I Eat My Eyes & Ears'. If you don't know THE SETTING SON, then 'Before I Eat My Eyes & Ears' offers the perfect start to discover the world of Sebastian T.W. Kristiansen, who is the creative force behind the band. In contrast to the previous records, the new one is more varied without departing from the old route.
Just like Lorenzo Woodrose, S.T.W. Kristiansen is a gifted songwriter who draws his inspiration from observations of the 1960's. No matter whether it's garage rock, psychedelic pop or surf music, Kristiansen handles everything and manages, seemingly effortlessly, to put his own stamp on it. Among other things, that is certainly based on his unmistakable voice, but it is also linked to his talent. It never ceases to fascinate me how sadness and a carefree joie de vivre are woven with one another, not to mention the wonderful melodies, which are plentifully present on this album.
As with 'Spring Of Hate', an organ as well as a Fender Rhodes are frequently used and provide additonal entertainment. A perfect example is 'Terrible Town', where organist Henrik 'Heinzz' Malm knows how to set the tone. 'Butterface', on the other hand, has more in common with The Seeds or The Sonics, whereas 'Are You The One' is one of these dreamy yet melancholic tunes that always get under my skin. But, basically, all 10 songs are delightfully listenable. The instrumentaion is vibrant, nuanced and has been carefully arranged. Just give it enough play time and you will discover all the sonic subtleties I talk about here. Anyway, this is a great album that grabbed my heart and soul.
(KK)