gullbuy music review

The Sound

title

Jeopardy + Live EP

label

Renascent

format
CD

The SoundDating from 1980, the first album proper for the London band The Sound, JEOPARDY should stand the test of time as a great rock album.

Stylistically references to their peers at the time abound, Joy Division, U2, and Echo and the Bunnymen can all be heard in these songs. However, what sets this band apart is the spare, minimal sound, with a strong bassline and the presence of Adrian Borland.

The frontman of The Sound, Adrian gave the band it soul and angst. His mid-range vocals recall similarities some contemporary indie singers as backed by minimal percussion, low key synth lines and guitar. The brutal youthful temper of his vocals convinces one instantly of the power of this band.

Tracks like Words Fail Me, Heartland and Missiles are nearly perfect in channeling sheer anger of Adrian against the ills of the world. Included on this release is the 'live instinct ep' shows just how amazing their live performances were.

At once a product of their times for all time - the Sound give testimony to the absence inherent in human existence. I urge you to listen to them again for the first time.

SUGGESTED TRACKS:
WORDS FAIL ME, HEARTLAND, MISSILES, and JEOPARDY.

---George F. Kilgoar III, June 18, 2002