Acetone

York Blvd

Simply Masterful

Review Score:

(10/10)
Are you enthralled by the Velvet Underground? Do the sonic explorations of Pink Floyd make you shiver? Does Spiritualized melt your heart and lift your soul? Then my friend, do yourself a huge favour and purchase "York Blvd.," Acetone's latest and easily one of the best releases of 2001.

Fans since the days of "Cindy" understand the beauty, power, and dynamics that help to define Acetone's music. Dreamy, almost too-laid back vocals, wistful lyrical images, and perhaps the greatest guitar work you've heard are all found on "York Blvd." Mark Lightcap has somehow raised his game to unprecedented levels. He gives you something new & different in every tune. Just take a listen to the solo in "Things Are Gonna Be Alright." That unbelievable tone! And if both "One Drop" and "Vaccination" don't take you on personal musical journeys, you're simply not alive. His solo on the latter is fuzztone/wah-wah HEAVEN. Mark is one of today's great unheralded guitarists. Discover him for yourself here on "York Blvd."

Steve Hadley's drumming has an almost jazz-like feel--he often comes in just after the beat. He's so smooth and without worry, as if the drum sticks are an extension of his arms and, more importantly, his soul. He's not playing the drums as much as they're playing themselves. Complete confidence. Richie Lee's bass playing and vocals are of equal importance. The music on "York Blvd." is so cascadingly gorgeous that you may look past the lyrics--don't. Personal introspection, lost love, heartache--lyrical themes that you and I can relate to are all over this album. And Richie delivers these stories with a yearning and sensitivity that not only propels the songs, but leads you to believe that he's still in love with the woman who's wronged him ["It's A Lie"]. Devastating.

I can go on and on about the joy I get from Acetone's unbelievable "York Blvd." But judge for yourself. Take a chance on a band you may have never heard before. Your ears, heart, and soul will thank your the rest of your life. I promise.

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