A pleasing amalgam of propulsive uptempo shoegaze, misty psych-pop, and layered acoustic songwriting, The View from Halfway Down offers an attractive compendium of Bell's accumulated strengths.
Although there are hints of his alter ego GLOK's textured electronics throughout, experimentation is evenly balanced with his love of '60s classicism. [Dec 2020, p.86]
There's a wistful tone to tracks like "Cherry Cola," the folky "I Was Alone" and fine single, "Love Comes In Waves," which attaches an invasive melody to the soft one of surrounding fuzz. [Nov 2020, p.27]
An artist who scarcely slows, Andy Bell offers a fine blend of psych-pop, folk finger-picking, and home made electronics, all within the familiar confines of his shoegaze day job. More, please.
The album does not bring any major musical innovation, generally speaking. But it shows another very sensitive side of the songwriter, who hasThe album does not bring any major musical innovation, generally speaking. But it shows another very sensitive side of the songwriter, who has just turned 50.
Less fuzzy than his Ride, more intimate than his songs in Oasis and Hurricane #1, the album has a greater electronic presence. The record has a very warm atmosphere track after track.
Everyone who have ever dug into his other works will notice that the essence is there. The hypnotical approach by his singing and guitar sounding is there. They blend into Andy’s experienced musical touch, which brings elements from the best albums of his career (like Going Blank Again, Nowhere, Weather Diaries and This Is Not A Safe Place) to make from The View from Halfway Down a very special and personal record.
There’s the feeling easily recognized to be Andy’s trademarks in his songwriting abilities. One of the most important minds ever in British music scene since the
90’s, he brought his open arms in music shape to spread love in waves. Actually, the cover speaks for the whole album: a picture of Andy Bell and his wife Shiarra together. That velvet hugging vibe is all over the songs.
Shy and at the same time very cozy, the album gives us a message about life in tough times. Just like the philosopher Albert Camus would say, life is so much
more than the sad, tiring and mechanical moments. It could be said that there are three acts in the album. The first one goes with the front trio tracks. They take the heaviness away from any defensive-minded reaction, preparing the listener to the softness of the second act.
Songs like Skywalker and Cherry Cola can just make one person’s day so much light. Their sensible and delicate notes build a happy space inside of every one who listens them. I Was Alone and Heat Haze on Weyland Road represent an emotional good-bye from an old friend. The slow mode is on, reverberating the smallest thought inside your head while waving away.
The View from Halfway Down seems to remind us to take some rest and to give room for our feelings and sensations flourish away into our routine. Easing the pain from our lives in just 42 minutes. More than anything else, help us to look in the mirror of our own heart and soul.…Expand
