Spiritualized’s sixth studio album is a special one. Coming five years after their previous album, Amazing Grace from 2003, and following frontman Jason Pierce’s near-death experience after he contracted an inflammation and infection of the eyelid and bilateral pneumonia, Songs in A&E is a dramatic set of sweet delights.
The album’s title takes its name from the long period of time Pierce spent in the Accident and Emergency ward and the songs are dedicated to the staff at The Royal London Hospital where he received treatment. While most of the songs were written before Pierce fell ill, the sense in which he vocalizes the sentiments gives each track an added weight through his experiences.
Instead of glooming it up with senseless foolishness, Pierce conducts things skilfully and turns out a stunning record. The soundscapes are complete and fascinating, unfolding with tenderness and a sort of considered calm as though Pierce is reminding us of the preciousness of life without getting sappy.
Indeed, much of Spiritualized’s Songs in A&E has poignancy embedded in the structure. Pierce isn’t afraid to cut deeper, though, and some of the songs contain copious amounts of ache and resentment (“You Lie You Cheat”). For the most part, though, Songs in A&E is a life-affirming and gorgeous record with a strong sense of humanity to it.
Inspiring music is often tough to rate, especially when so many bands in search of the perfect uplifting record are prone to venture into a sort of Coldplay-on-steroids feel. With Spiritualized, however, it feels authentic.
“Death Take Your Fiddle” is, all at once, bleak and rousing. When Pierce sings “So Death take your fiddle/play a song for me,” one can’t help but flinch.
Pierce’s small, conked-out vocals are what tie each track together. Musically, things are accurate and on-point but not overly unique. It is the broken words and intonations that make Songs in A&E something significant, as Pierce often sounds like a prophet that’s been to the other side and can’t decide whether it’s heaven or hell he prefers.
Article comments
1 - Eric Whelchel
Better than Ladies and Gentlemen...?
Seems hard to believe, but the reviews have been very positive for this album.
Thanks for the review.