Open the cover of The Treat’s sprawling new double CD and you will see the band's own weapons of mass construction. An impressive array of old and newguitars and instruments ranging from Fender to sitar and bongos to didgeridoos (and from such countries as Africa to India) help give an indication of the eclecticism on offer within.
Last year I caught up with The Treat and reviewed their highly original album Phonography. I wrote, "it will be interesting to see where they take it from here". So, has my own question been answered on this ambitious release, Audio Verite/Deceptive Blends?
Straight away my intrigue is made deeper by the fact that each disc is further divided into what would have been ‘sides’, in the days of good old vinyl. The four ‘sides’ are in fact themes, starting with 'Side Rock' and the anthemic “This Is The One”. However, you will soon learn that you can’t second guess this band and when the oddball “Showtime” kicks in you realize it’s going to be an intriguing ride.
“Drawing Lines” draws its own lines from neo-punk whilst “On The Waterfront”, complete with melodica solo, takes us off in a more gentle direction of lazy days down by the river. Listen closely and you can hear that the display of instruments is no mere showcase and each track introduces something new and colourful from the collection.
The hooky rockabilly of “For A Reason” leads on into 'Side Acoustic' (same disc, different section) and a track called “Beautiful Way”. Its arrival signals another side-step within this journey. “Cycles” tackles the never ending world of senseless politics, conflict, and war with a set of lyrics set within a Middle-Eastern vibe. Meanwhile the delicately performed instrumental “Sweet Jasmine” shimmers nicely.
The retro sounding “By The Sea”, and “The Dragon’s Den” bring the acoustic side of the Audio Verite section to a close with two well told storybook songs. Changing discs we have Deceptive Blends, with the first theme being 'Side Electric', which arrives within a fog of psychedelia.
“Anger Management” captures the rage and anxiety of its title. The mystical “Silent Voices” weaves a smoky vibe as one of the album’s stronger offerings.
The last section, 'Side Experiment', opens with the politically inspired “Citizens Of The World” which strums its way like a protest song from a different era whilst sadly reminding us that nothing ever really changes. “The Art Of Deception” has a village green quirky Englishness about it.
Article comments