Saturnine - Pleasure of Ruins
(Motorcoat)
When a band sounds anything like early R.E.M., I am
happy. Saturnine sounds a bit like early R.E.M. and
it makes my very happy. Consisting of four members
that play drums, guitar, bass, and keyboards, Saturnine
is a simple band that plays simply great songs! The
drums are sharp and clever, the basslines are twisty
and playful, the guitar is chiming and a bit rocking,
and the keyboard (sounds like a moog to me) is subtle
and add some nice color.
I have been a Saturnine fan since I heard Flags For
Unknown Territories a couple of years back, but this
album is far, far superior to anything the band has
ever done. The production, by Steve Albini, may just
be the difference. Every sound is clear and important
and has its place in the stereo mix. The simple fact
is that this album has no fat.
On the cover, Saturnine states this; "The album may
not change your life, but if you want to quietly shut
the door to your room, lean back, and smile about the
way you used to rock out back in, say, insert a good
year from your life here, this might just be the
ticket." Nothing I could say makes more sense than
this. On Pleasure of Ruins, Saturnine makes good on
their promise.
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