RPA & The United NationOf Sound - United NationsOf Sound

Thu 22nd Jul, 2010 in Music Reviews

Mr. Richard Ashcroft; a man who has given us some amazing music, but also some terrible music, over the last twenty or so years, is back with a brand new band.

The United Nations Of Sound is both the name of this new outfit’s debut record and the name of the band playing behind Ashcroft, a group of hip-hop inspired Los Angeles session musicians. Ashcroft has written all of the music for this new record and seems to have brought along everything he has learnt in the past, as well as a few new tricks, which ultimately fall a little flat, rising its head ever so slightly above his last few solo efforts.

The record begins with its two singles, Are You Ready? and Born Again, which are easily the finest moments of the album. Ashcroft manages to remember what a decent hook sounds like, and infuses the new hip-hop influence in with some fine indie rock. After this the record takes a quick nose dive into mediocrity with some
unimaginative, string heavy ballads and lyrical content far below the capabilities of the man who once gave us a bunch of beautiful urban hymns.

Ashcroft’s fascination with life and music has always been present in his words, but none more so painfully obvious, or carelessly undelivered, as in tracks such as This Thing Called Life or She Brings Me The Music.

Credit must be given to the band for at least trying to branch out musically, even if it is only in certain moments, such as the soul powered Good Loving or the blues rock inspired How Deep Is Your Man, which lift the middle section of the record. The rise in quality is quickly diminished at the end of the album with Let My Soul Rest, which is full of more tiresome lyrics and uninteresting melodies.

Kudos to Richard Ashcroft for at least trying something different, and this record is certainly not the worst thing he has ever released, however it is far from the best.