Listening to early Saint Etienne records is like being transported back to a time of youthful promise. It’s the sound of three newcomers to the big city chasing their pop dreams with wide-eyed enthusiasm. Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs’ production captures a unique blend of slice-of-life charm and outré pop fantasy, refusing to settle for simple escapism. They paint a picture of imaginary places like Finisterre, Tiger Bay, and Foxbase Alpha overlaid onto the real-life landscapes of the Home Counties, West Country, and London. Sarah Cracknell’s intimate vocals guide us through this vivid yet sometimes surreal backdrop, adding a glamorous touch to Wiggs and Stanley’s musical fireworks.
The Allure of Saint Etienne’s Early Records
As time marches on, the band’s era-specific optimism feels bittersweet, reflecting a lost world where London was still welcoming and affordable, the UK was part of Europe, and concepts like ecstasy and Concorde flights symbolized pride rather than reactionary sentiments. Cracknell’s poignant vocals on the opening track of their 11th studio album, “The Night,” capture the boundless energy and belief of youth, juxtaposed against a backdrop of finality and adult wisdom. The song “Settle In” can be interpreted as a cozy evening at home or a metaphor for waiting out the passage of time.
The Evolution of Saint Etienne’s Sound
Building on the downbeat melancholy of their previous album, “I’ve Been Trying to Tell You,” “The Night” sees Saint Etienne exploring ambient music with a sense of world-weariness. Stanley and Wiggs create a nocturnal atmosphere filled with eerie resonance, highlighting the unseen creaks, aches, and frequencies that lurk in the night. Their detailed yet impressionistic palette conjures a dense fog, punctuated by fleeting markers that dance along with the music. Tracks like “Through the Glass” and “Northern Counties East” evoke a perpetual rainfall, blending found percussion, haunting harpsichord, and subdued guitar for a haunting effect reminiscent of artists like The Caretaker and Burial.
Conclusion
Saint Etienne’s “The Night” is a testament to the band’s ability to evolve their sound while retaining their signature charm and introspection. With a nod to the past and a gaze towards the future, they navigate the complexities of adulthood with grace and poignancy, creating a musical landscape that is both haunting and beautiful.
FAQs
Q: What inspired Saint Etienne’s early records?
A: The band’s early records were inspired by a sense of youthful promise and the excitement of chasing pop dreams in the big city.
Q: How does “The Night” differ from Saint Etienne’s previous albums?
A: “The Night” showcases a shift towards ambient music and a deeper sense of world-weariness, exploring nocturnal themes with eerie resonance.
Q: What sets Saint Etienne apart from other musical acts?
A: Saint Etienne’s unique blend of slice-of-life charm, outré pop fantasy, and intimate vocals from Sarah Cracknell set them apart, creating a nostalgic yet forward-thinking sound.
Credit: pitchfork.com
