However, another twist takes us to the deep south with a funky “Fan The Flames”. The persistent “Little Fly” made his way into the studio and onto the album, before happily flying off to annoy another day.
'Side Experiment' ends the album with the colourful “In My Own Time” which comes complete with an excellent first take trumpet solo by Chris Lewis. One of the best songs on the album, it’s tucked away at the end leaving a strong impression.
I bet my hideous overdraft on the fact that the word ‘ambitious’ will crop up on the vast majority of reviews for this album. The album is also quirky, undeniably eclectic, creative, idiosyncratic, indulgent, brave, experimental, and yes, I have to agree, ambitious.
It draws firstly from a huge range of influences, utilizes a vast collection of instruments, and is somewhat reflective of the constantly changing world in which we live. Its presentation in sections is proudly retro with its four sides grouped around their themes and yet it is an album that also gives it all a contemporary twist.
It represents, as guitarist, composer, and producer of The Treat, Mike Hyder says, 'a three and half year musical collage'. Inevitably some parts of the whole will work better for some than others. It is most definitely an album by a band following their muse and one that is clearly destined to divide opinion.
It is also just what its title promises it to be, and is ever changing, often promising, sometimes frustrating, always surprising, occasionally disappointing, yet never predictable.
In an age when it is all but impossible to explore boundaries that have already been pushed countless times before, The Treat have decided to attempt to do just that. They have bravely dived in, gone with their instincts, and created a diverse musical experiment that expands some of the signs contained within Phonography.
As a result my question of ‘where next’ has been somewhat torn up and thrown into a swirling wind with this wholly individual project. Now, I am left asking exactly the same question for next time. One thing for sure is that it won’t be easy to predict.
Have a look and a listen on the band's website.
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