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1997, Imprint: New Revolutions
If this is your first time listening to a Cranes album, you may find that their latest album, entitled Population 4 offers a particularly interesting and unconventional musical approach. On the other hand, if you are already familiar with the music of the Cranes, you may be surprised to find that Population 4 not only looks different but also sounds different. Indeed, Population 4 sees the band exploring a familiar sonic landscape but this time with a different musical approach than encountered in previous albums. This change in musical direction might be disappointing for someone who expected something more along the lines of Forever or Loved (last two albums) but Population 4 is really a transitional album that presents both an exploration of new sound concepts and an expansion of older ones. The quiet and soft mood set by the opening song 'Tangled Up' sets the prevailing tone of the album which is also characterized by the use of one or more acoustic guitars as main instruments. Unfortunately, this approach puts aside the loud and abrupt sound attack that is also associated with the Cranes' music. Another element that is clearly absent in this album is the use of cello, piano, or keyboard. The eerie and somewhat ethereal atmosphere created by these instruments has been replaced by a more pop-like and less complicated sound.
Although the creative centre still resides on Jim and Alison Shaw, the band has a new drummer and a new guitarist. An interesting aspect of Population 4 is the fact that this is the first album not produced entirely by the Cranes. Instead, the album was produced by Mark Freegard who has also worked with the Breeders, Lush, and The Manic Street Preachers among other bands. After having toured part of the US and Canada, the Cranes are currently in Europe playing an interesting setlist of their old and new material. So far, Population 4 seems to be getting wide acceptance among fans and listeners alike.
Reviewed by Paul Rencoret
© Imprint 1997
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