EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK \\\ a stellar sophomore LP from Glasvegas

By Gabrielle Reyes     4/14/11 7:00pm

On their second LP entitled EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK \\\, Glasvegas prove that they are much more than the "working class Glasewegian heroes" they were so often patronizingly referred to upon their arrival on the music scene two years ago. Presenting their fans with a major departure from the grungy doo-wop rock of their 2008 self-titled debut, their sophomore effort sees Glasvegas boldy venturing into novel sonic territory. With the addition of a new drummer, Swede Jonna Löfgren, who replaced original drummer Caroline McKay after her departure from the band in early 2010, Glasvegas have gained not only fresh artistic talent, but a significantly greater ambition in terms of their musical daring.

A blatantly romantic love song, "The World Is Yours" finds lead singer and songwriter James Allan wailing, "You don't need me as much as I need you" at the top of his lungs to his beloved. With his achingly honest lilt, Allan declares his devotion to a lover in a grandiose yet utterly genuine manner, avoiding even the slightest of hints at sappy melodrama.

True to their roots despite their popularity, Glasvegas maintain several themes from their first album. In particular, the '60s girl-group coos of "ooh ooh ooh" can be still be heard on such tracks as "Lots Sometimes." Additionally, Allan strives to hold onto the motifs of yesteryear, most notably in the title of the gorgeous Everly Brothers tribute song, "Dream Dream Dreaming." Indeed, Allan cannot seem to let go of his attachment to the songs that he grew up listening to, continually referencing his obsession with children's lullabies and nursery rhymes in particular, something he was fond of doing on Glasvegas. Where Allan referenced "You Are My Sunshine" on "Flowers and Football Tops," and "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" on "S.A.D. Light," (both off of 2008's Glasvegas) he returns to "Twinkle ..." (albeit less directly) on "Euphoria Take My Hand" with the line "I wish upon a falling star." Allan's fondness of looking to the stars could not be made clearer on this album, and his fascination with the nocturnal dreamscape of the dark heavens proves to be the central and uniting theme of EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK \\\.

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On "Lots Sometimes," Allan again teases his listeners with the misleadingly simplistic repetition which he introduced on 2008's "Go Square Go." A deceivingly modest track, "Lots Sometimes" shows off Allan's affinity as a songwriter for brilliant lyrical straightforwardness. Furthermore, it reinforces the album's overall fixation with the night sky when Allan sings, "I dot to dot with the stars to spell your name at night."

With an uneasy trepidation and a determined resignation, "Whatever Hurts You Through The Night," demonstrates its worth as the best track on the entire album. Reminiscent of an '80s love ballad, this song delves into the murky depths of heartache, expertly capturing the violent throes of despair, while somehow reemerging with an edgy hope by the end.

Utilizing an altogether different approach than that used on " ... Through The Night," "Shine Like Stars" stands as a major beacon of expectation on the album. Unapologetically optimistic, this synth-laden track marks Glasvegas' first official, and successful, mainstream pop-rock gem.

Filled with songs of pleasure and of anguish, this album witnesses Glasvegas straddle the line between misery and bliss with a savvy attainable only through true authenticity, affirming their place as one of the most promising and praiseworthy rock bands of this generation.

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