Built To Spill - You In Reverse Album Review

Built To Spill
You In Reverse
Album Review

Built To Spill's reputation was huge, as a guitar hero-led alternative rock band, with fun in their edge. Then, they went and got all miserable, coinciding with a crisis of confidence in the hero Doug Martsch's ability to be the lead man. Thankfully, the band have pulled themselves together for their first album in 5 years, and what a comeback it is. There are moments which remind of 20 years of alternative rock, from the Cure through The Smiths to REM, but mostly what there is is some riveting, vibrant rock, like Band of Horses or Mercury Rev rooted through some classic guitarsmithery.

You In Reverse is spacey, catchy and spun from woven melody lines. The first listen sounds great, and repeated listens will have you waking up with at least one of these songs playing in your head. It is addictive stuff, intelligent rock with crunch and soul. It is probably the band's best ever album, and should be the first Built To Spill album in your collection.

Rating 9/10

Mike Rea

Built To Spill
You In Reverse
Album Review

Twisting and turning through the dense and under populated wood of Indie Rock, Built To Spill have emerged after 5 years of self examination losing some members but gaining fresh legs along the way. Doug Martsch is still there, along with Scott Plouf, Jim Roth, Brett Nelson, Brett Netson.

They need to be congratulated. Many haven't made it out alive. Pavement, Sonic Youth are but two that were never heard from again, but apparently the guys were greeted by The Pixies, who had set up camp after they themselves had been lost without trace for some time.

During their voyage, Built To Spill have written and recorded an album of unquestionable depth and haunting beauty. Every track resonates around my head as if to tell me that my life was not complete before without it. And I can't help but feel like I have heard every track before.

Right from the very beginning, "Goin' Against Your Mind" (currently available on itunes), with it's uncomplicated chord structure and melody are difficult to shake off, and I have to stop myself from repeating the track again and again.

"Traces" and "Liar" offer a touch of tender reflection, readying you for "Saturday". A track that would not be out of place on "Funeral" by Arcade Fire. Melancholy engulfs a delicate narrative of an obvious topic (not to be played on rainy days or Sunday mornings, or God forbid, your own birthday).

"Wherever You Go" and "Conventional Wisdom" are a sure fire blast from the past. Classically penned, but so, so captivating. The latter has a great break towards the end starting with guitar harmonies and flows into a cavernous loop with wailing solos which just entrances you.

You have time to get your breath back with "Gone". Dare I say, of almost Floyd proportions, you have to hear it to believe what I say, it's remarkable! "Mess With Time" and "Just A Habit" play to the old Built To Spill philosophy of exaggerated guitar solos and a trance like repetitive backdrop.

By the time you get to "The Wait", you feel like you have been hauled up, dragged away and relived the journey of the last five years. Sometimes challenging but always enjoyable, "You In Reverse" offers everything from all directions. There are many influences and many styles but one overriding factor, that Built To Spill have nurtured all their talents to record their best album to date.

9/10

Elliott Bambrough

Rating guide:
9-10 Essential purchase
7-8 Good, definite buy if you've liked this artist in the past
5-6 OK only, don't say I didn't warn you
3-4 Poor, even for this artist
1-2 Awful