CD Review

Artist:  Broadfield Marchers

Title:  The Inevitable Continuing

Label:  Rainbow Quartz

Release Date:  September 2, 2008

Reviewed By: Melanie Shim (Vancouver Correspondent – Canada)

I like to categorize the music I listen to into different groups according to whatever mood I am feeling at the moment.  If I am feeling particularly angst-ridden that day, I would probably cue up The All-American Rejects or Garbage.  If I am feeling especially musical that morning, the soundtracks to Les Misérables or The Sound of Music would be at the top of my musical playlist.  Broadfield Marchers’ latest album, The Inevitable Continuing would probably end up in my stereo if I were driving, late at night, and wanted something mellow, but nothing that would induce sleeping.  Although the record is nice to counteract the sound of silence, it simply becomes stuck in the background without ever establishing a forceful presence to be heard.

Often compared to the likes of REM and Pink Floyd, Broadfield Marchers crafted short and sweet tunes that are over before you even realized they began.  To be honest, these brief sound bites are a refreshing change to bands that enjoy creating extended and dramatic instrumental intros and outros.  Braodfield Marchers get to the point by eliminating any unnecessary stuff and fluff.  And rather than creating a record with three or four distinctive hit songs and many filler songs, Marchers seemed to have compiled a comprehensive album where all the songs are equal in quality.  The transitions between the songs are not awkward; instead, all songs flow through each other in a nice way that is pleasant to the ear. 

But, it is the lack of any standout hits as to why the record is only “nice”.  The absence of those three or four potential hit songs can prevent a good album from becoming great.  This entire record ends up being a decent addition to silence without taking charge of an empty room.  And while there is a consistency throughout all the songs, the CD is filled with mediocre tunes that all sound similar.  They become throwaways and are not memorable.

I really had a hard time expressing how I feel about the album.  On the one hand, it is delightful enough to listen to; on the other hand, there is still nothing special about it.  Marchers’ lo-fi sensibilities are interesting.  As a music lover, I appreciate the effort Broadfield Marchers brought to the record, but did not find the follow through as much as I would have liked to.

1.       “Raul” – 1:53

2.       “Leopards with Empty Claws” – 2:07

3.       “Stutter Shaker” – 3:00

4.       “Watchful Hill People” – 2:04

5.       “Mondo From Growth” – 2:07

6.       “Sad Earth Maze” – 2:20

7.       “Following Lines” – 3:23

8.       “Patterns of the Glance” – 2:11

9.       “Panic Imposed” – 2:33

10.   “Rightness of Commands” – 1:55

11.   “Circle Avenue Cig Hag” – 2:40

12.   “Eagles Prevail” – 1:37

13.   “Amazing Wheels” – 3:18

14.   “Stunts and Costumes” – 1:33

15.   “Sailing Fortune” – 1:56

16.   “The Thoughts of Simple Simon” – 1:42

17.   “When Cowards Sail” – 1:55

18.   “Morning Heat Leader” – 2:29

19.   “Cobblestone and Pinetrees” – 2:02