Betika
Halflove LP
Self-ReleasedTuesday 20th of November 2007
By Haydon SBetika are one of those bands who seem to have more than one personality. Shared lead vocals between (apparent band leader) Dave and Carolyn help the somewhat schizophrenic nature of the album, which is their debut full-length. This isn't to the detriment of the record though, as the twists and turns provided by the differing vocal approaches merely serve to compliment the musical diversity found within. Hence we are met with opener 'You Can Call Me Brother' which appears to have been recorded round a campfire, and develops into something which calls to mind Belle and Sebastian at their twistedly-captivating best.
In fact, twistedly-captivating would be a good way to describe the album as a whole. The band are certainly talented and willing to do whatever it takes to make their songs shine. 'Hatred' sounds like a lost Beatles b-side, built on piano, walking bass, insistent riffing and a clarinet (I think!) before some delicious brass crashes into the chorus and has this writer skanking round the room. The loops and dance-based groove which characterise 'By Default' should, in this context, sound out of place, but these are simply great songs, melded together to form an even better whole.
This is one of those unexpected pleasures you are occasionally given as a reviewer. A band you don't know who turn out to be great. Betika are one such band. I urge you to check them out now.
8 out of 10
http://www.the-mag.me.uk/Music/Articles/Item/Betika-Halflove-LP/
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