aaamusic | On 12, Feb 2011

Reviewing “Brotherocean” is a task that I found difficult because it’s hard to write objectively when there aren’t words to describe the sounds. The Syd Matters musical landscape is dreamlike and almost surrealist and so it would be foolish to approach the review in the same way that one could for something more human. I appreciate that this sounds like this albums is full of alien beats which cannot be further from the truth; think of the best bits from “Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and you will be closer to the reality. Interestingly, the album is experimental but still has sensitivity at its heart; take for example “Hi Life” which is as weird as it is beautiful and is definitely the highlight of the album.

If you are thinking of bands like MGMT at this point then don’t. Syd Matters are far more complex than this with interwoven orchestral sections that make the album seem at times like it is written to score landscapes rather than just for listening to. “Brotherocean” is a complex album but one that will reward the listener if given the time to be appreciated fully. Don’t approach passively; this is an album to throw yourself into.

Author: Josie Payne