Over the Rhine

Item: Films for Radio
Author: Aaron Bell

Films for Radio

(2001)

Reviewed by Aaron Bell

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Label Back Porch Records / Virgin RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2001

adult alternative alternative rock art rock

Brilliant. In a word brilliant. That's the best way to describe the newest release from Over the Rhine. Films for Radio is a piece of art that is to be treasured, enjoyed and cherished. This album is what is right with music. Lush vocals from the angelic Karin Bergquist, great music from the band, incorporating many instruments from guitars and drums to pianos to violins, all come together to make one of the best albums of this year, and I think that statement will still stand come December.

The poetry on this album is amazing, conjuring images of beauty that few bands are able to do. The songs are outstanding. With many spiritual images and ideas being used. The track "Goodbye (This is Not Goodbye)" which was used on the Roaring Lambs compilation from Squint Entertainment is a great song. The layers of instrumentation accompanying Karin's beautiful voice create a song that is just a step behind the sound of angels.

The opening track "The World Can Wait" is a perfect opener with its rock and roll edge that hooks in the listener. Over the Rhine get experimental on a song entitled "The Body Is A Stairway of Skin" using just drum loops and a lap steel. Very original work.

Another outstanding track is the very climactic track entitled "I Radio Heaven" which is beautiful in its crescendo that continues to build over and over until you are trapped in the lush vast tones of Karin's voice.

The song "Moth" is pure pop bliss. With a bit of a slanted lyrical content the song is very catchy with a melody that is hard to get out of your head. And a chorus with great pop to it. It calls the listener to a point of confrontation almost:

There's no savior hanging on this cross
It isn't suffering we fear but loss
This is closer that I ever came
Just a burning moth without a flame

This album is more accessible than some of their earlier work. All in all this album is going to be one that is considered one of the best albums of the year, if not the last couple of years, in my opinion. I highly recommend it; you might actually be better off for having listened to it!

5 tocks