I’m From Barcelona – Who Killed Harry Houdini? CD Review
Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t the whole idea behind forming music collectives to create big sound? Aren’t multitudes of musicians pieced together to give the group a grander range and a richer sonic quality? Aren’t thirty piece bands supposed to sound like thirty piece bands? Well, evidently no one told I’m From Barcelona.
You remember I’m From Barcelona, that thirty piece band from Sweden that swept into existence in 2006 with their debut EP Don’t Give Up On Your Dreams Buddy, followed by their debut album Let Me Introduce My Friends. You must remember the single We’re From Barcelona?
Of course back then collectives were all the rage. Arcade Fire and The New Pornographers (to name two) were barnstorming the recording industry. It wasn’t just a case of dozens upon dozens of musicians packing a stage in some ad hoc spontaneous jam session. These were songs and ensembles created to maximize their assets. They were gypsy-flavoured orchestras with gypsy-flavoured music.
You kind of got the feeling these collectives were extended families with a shared music sensibility. Their music gelled and there was a cohesion and a focus.
Somewhere along the way I’m From Barcelona lost sight of that goal.
Who Killed Harry Houdini? is scattered, wandering and disjointed. It’s as if twenty six members of the band were on lunch break when the bulk of Houdini was recorded. I’m not even sure why they feel they even need thirty members anymore. Seems four or five could do just fine for the type of songs Barcelona lead and founder Emanuel Lundgren is writing.
The album does have its hopeful, albeit brief, moments. Paper Planes (the second track) follows in line with what I’m From Barcelona always seemed to be about as does Mingus and Houdini. They’re big tracks with hints of a layered and nuanced orchestral sound – ergo, the very reason you form a group this large in the first place. But that hope for a dynamic and memorable follow-up album fades quickly.
The rest of the album – save the timid, understated and dare I say mildly-brilliant Gunhild – sounds unfinished. It’s as if someone forgot to add backing vocals and vital instrumental accompaniment. Making a band with thirty members sound ‘small” isn’t a stroke of genius, it’s a waste of (aural) space.
Maybe it’s time I’m From Barcelona became a trio.
Tags: I'm From Barcelona, Who Killed Harry Houdini
Harry houdini was not murdered…… he died of his appendix bursting.