Broadcast 2000 – Building Blocks EP (Gronland Records)
March 24th, 2008
6.0/6.0
Wow. Rarely have I received a demo quite as good as this. What is it about the combination of glockenspiel, strings, acoustic guitar and lusciously layered vocal harmonies that never fails to capture the imagination? Nostalgic yet wonderfully uplifting, Joe Steer’s Building Blocks EP offers 20 minutes of sunshine perfect for raising a smile on those long, dark winter nights.
Broadcast 2000 is the brainchild of Devon born multi-instrumentalist Steer, with help from a few friends. It is unbelievable to think that this EP was recorded, mixed and mastered in his north London flat – as the quality of both performance and sound quality demonstrated here is nothing short of astounding.
The comparison that instantly springs to mind is a more ordered and thoughtful Mystery Jets, with a pinch of Beirut to season. To make such comparisons is probably unfair, as Steer clearly has a rare ability to create a sound which is both forward thinking and inventive; yet honest to the fundamentals of good music in days gone by.
The instant rhythmical beauty of Get Up And Go is quite honestly one of the most inspiring things I have heard for a long time. Similarly The View is a beautifully constructed piece of music with heartfelt vocals. Pep Talk demonstrates Broadcast 2000’s signature, clockwork-like rhythm that is simply crying out to be played to a wider audience.
But, here comes the dilemma…Steer has managed to create music that connects with the individual, and as a result I want to wrap the band up in a small tin box and save them for special occasions. There is an honesty about this EP which I adore. Generally when, something this exciting crosses my palm I am eager to shove it down the throat of every friend I stumble upon, but for some reason I would rather keep the Building Blocks EP all to myself.
By all means, go out and buy it, but please don’t tell anybody. This kind of record is too good to share.
words: Andy Parry
Broadcast 2000 play the Young and Lost Club at the Lock Tavern in Camden, London, on February 20th.
Authors bio is coming up shortly.