Track Listing

1. Down River
2. Velvet Cell
3. Animals
4. Nicole
5. Velvet Cell
6. Cities Beneath The Sea
7. Song From Under The Arches
8. See My Friends

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #63013 in Music
• Released on: 2005-10-24
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .10 pounds

CD Description
This is the second full length album from Nick Talbot's Gravenhurst and sees the Bristolian singer/songwriter move awayfrom the avant-folk sound of his debut 'Flashlight Seasons'. For this album Talbot is backed by a full band and consequently, 'Fires In Distant Buildings' is a much more rock driven record than his first. Elements of both post and kraut rock are evident here, and the single, 'Velvet Cell', is included.

Customer Reviews

Awesome Album
Relative to a few years ago, I’m of the view that there are many high quality, original bands out there at the moment. Even given this plethora of good bands however, this album still manages to stand out as a truly awesome musical venture and I think it may even be my favourite of the year.

What really impresses is the originality of the style and structure of the songs coupled with the intensity of the emotions they generate as you embrace their ups and downs. One minute you may be sitting quietly, reflecting over past deeds and loved ones as delicate lyrics drift in and out of you. A few minutes later you may be awash with a sense of invincibility and awe as powerful guitar riffs propel energy around your body and you feel like a surfer revelling in the exhilaration of a huge wave…

That might sound like self-indulgent, quasi-poetic excrement to some of you but if you enjoy musical experiences that expand your mind as well as your music collection this is a must have. It kicks a.se!

beyond the stars......
listening to this I was taken to a field of 35 years ago - the Bath Blues Festival 1970 - santana immediately comes to mind - but then i've jumped decades - i'm with sonic youth, dinosaur jr. - spiritualised.
but this aint no retro glide - it's the dreamy sounds of tomorrow today.
timeless.
this ain't a CD that's gonna burn no house down - it's too slow a burn - but it sure has ignited my senses.
the man's haunting vocals - complimenting his sparse folky sound is compelling listening.
each track works for me and as a whole is CD is one glorious trip.
the inclusion and re-invention of Ray Davies "see my friend" is inspired.
yeah - this CD is one for those easy days - when there is nothing better to do than just lie back and enjoy a musician who has discovered and laid down the meaning of true beauty.
delicious.

Shoe gazing for the 21st century
Having spent my youth peering through a long fringe whilst listening to Ride, Slowdive, Moose, My Bloody Valentine and, er, Ride, Gravenhurst feels both nostalgic and fresh. Melodic, spacey and full of odd sonic tinges, this album is instant and something of a grower. Little wonder they are the only rock band on Warp. "The Velvet Call" is a lovely, lively and insistent pop song, even if its Red Dragon lyrics beat me: To understand a killer, I must become a killer. Opener "Down River" wheeps, bleeps and ticks, but eventually tocks into life with breathy melody. Animals is the sort of song that Pink Floyd used to write. If you like mournful, intelligent, moody, guitar-driven and eminently English rock music that rewards repeated listens, this is the one for you. If you prefer Britney Spears, it probably isn't.