Jun 09 2008 10:36 am,
Semifinalists
‘2’
(V2/Cooperative Music)
The thought of MGMT hooking up with Mercury Rev may be slightly disturbing and most probably highly inadvisable on the mind-melting toxins front, but as Semifinalists prove with this sublime second effort, the subsequent musical spawn sure would sound sweet. A glorious meeting of psychedelic, space rock and no holds barred pop, ‘2’ sees the London-based outfit return triumphant; channelling the energies of the two aforementioned bands, giving it their own inimitable twist and spewing out an abundance of dreamy vocals, woozy guitars, shimmering electronics, strings, frantic beats, synths and glocks along the way. OK, it’s a little too sprawling in places but when the melodies are wound up nice and tight and the explosive choruses kick in, Semifinalists make magical soundtracks, perfect for lazy summer days.
Camilla Pia
