Mainstream recognition has always seemingly been just a stone’s throw away for brothers Thomas and Jonny Sanders and their long-time musical accomplice Pete Cattermoul.
Formerly known as three-fifths of Pete and the Pirates, who decided to call it a day in 2012 after eight years of lukewarm success, the trio resurfaced alongside drummer Hiro Amamiya as Teleman with the charming ‘Breakfast’ two years ago. Despite having not experienced the lustrous limelight exclusively reserved for the indie elites to date, the band’s second LP, ‘Brilliant Sanity’ might just change all that.
First, though, we need to address the Metronomy-sized elephant in the room. The comparison is an easy one to make, yet it has to be made. Opener Dusseldorf - the beginning of which is also redolent of Supertramp’s Logical Song - is probably the best example. It arrives replete with sickly-sweet melodies and crystalline keys, but despite being a great pop tune it’s very reminiscent of something like The Bay, just with more reliance on guitars.
The record also invites less obvious comparisons. Canvas Shoe sounds like a semi-ballad Bowie or Lou Reed might have come up with in the ‘70s, while Devil in my Shoe’s warbling synths evoke Tame Impala’s ‘Currents’. On a side note, it seems this band has a thing for footwear.
But that’s not to say Teleman haven’t formed their own identity with this second outing. There are plenty of moments on ‘Brilliant Sanity’ that prove they are their own band. The lullaby-like English Architecture, for instance, is a doleful tune that features some of the outfit’s most poignant lyrics. “And after all the pretty girls leave, who will be here to amuse you?” Sanders asks in his plaintive and uniquely English way.
Oddly enough, it’s when the band most resemble Pete and the Pirates that they stand out the most, whether it’s the punky powerchord riffage of high point Tangerine or the ominous, palm-muted thudding of the measured Drop Out. But, in case you forget, the saccharine refrain of the former - “I love you/In the sun, dreaming of you” - is sure to remind you of the more poppy direction Sanders and company have decided to take.
The tracks assembled here are accessible, yet there’s just enough indie sentiment to satisfy long-time fans. ‘Brilliant Sanity’ proves Teleman are deserving of more widespread recognition. Whether they'll get it remains to be seen.
Teleman Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Tue April 12 2016 - NOTTINGHAM Bodega Social Club
Wed April 13 2016 - BRIGHTON Old Market
Thu April 14 2016 - LONDON KOKO
Fri April 15 2016 - BRISTOL Marble Factory
Fri July 08 2016 - BIRMINGHAM Rainbow
Click here to compare & buy Teleman Tickets at Stereoboard.com.
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
