Album Review: James Yorkston and The Athletes :: Wessex Scene Online

Album Review: James Yorkston and The Athletes

29th October 2004
CD

Rate this story

Nov 08 - Bob Dylan - Tell Tale Signs
Oct 04 - Album Review: Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds
Oct 04 - Album Review: Gisli
Oct 04 - Album Review: The Dears
Oct 04 - Album Review: Mansun

James Yorkston and The Athletes

Just Beyond the River

(Domino)

‘Just Beyond the River’ is James Yorkston’s second album, following the 2002 release ‘Moving up Country’. His backing group, The Athletes, are described as a ‘versatile lot, a statement that is justified as the group play instruments ranging from the Bouzouki to the violin. The album opens with the beautiful and thoroughly charming track ‘Heron’. Yorkston’s low brooding voice echoes over the plucking of a lone guitar before reaching a peak with the introduction of violins and accordion. Equally, the seductive second track ‘Shipwreckers’ could lead to comparisons with fellow Scottish indie collective The Reindeer Section.

The rest of the album, however, fails to match the opening tracks, and there is a distinct lull in the middle, with songs such as ‘Surf Song’ and ‘Hermitage’ proving easily forgettable. Nonetheless, greater variation is shown towards the close. The interesting combination of banjo and percussion in ‘Banjo #1’ and ‘Edward’ works melodiously with Yorkston’s exceptional voice and ominous lyrics.

‘Just Beyond the River’ is, at times, magnificent as Yorkston’s soothing voice mixes with an equally amiable collection of instruments. However, the constant grouping of poor tracks somewhat spoils the albums splendour.

7/10