Album Review: Blanket - True Blue
Reviewed by Tim Finch
UK post-rock collective Blanket are back with latest album ‘True Blue’ released via Adventure Cat Records. The Blackpool quartet are set to expand on past works with their lush soundcapes and haunting melodies encapsulating the listener from the off.
Opening with the eerie instrumental ‘The Swallows Reflecting In The Water’ there is an almost jarring feel to the noise that hits you. Not loud, not in your face, but uncomfortable. A sound that sets the tone for what is to come.
The band probably won’t appreciate the comparison, but the underlying basis for the bands sound often reminds me of slower/darker Foo Fighters tracks. We’re not talking the upbeat radio friendly rockers, but those darker moments that Grohl and co. go through are similar to Blankets musical foundation. They then layer atop that with the atmospherics, melancholic movements and post-rock twists that make them stand out from any stadium rock fillers, yet the resemblance is there, lying just under the surface.
Whilst a lot of the album often feels morbidly melancholic musically, ‘Levitate’ does lift the tone, the drone feels lighter, more airy and accessible. Whilst later in the album ‘Wallflower’ and title track ‘True Blue’ submerge the listening in atmosphere, the latter taking you on a rollercoaster of emotions as the album closes out.
Yet again Blanket have delivered a masterpiece of post-rock, a statement of intent from the band on what comes next. If this genre is your bag, then Blanket are a must listen.
