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The War Room

Rate It! Avg: 4.0 (19 ratings)
The War Room album cover
01
If War Should Come
4:37 $0.99
02
London Can Take It
3:28 $0.99
03
Spitfire
3:56 $0.99
04
Dig for Victory
3:17 $0.99
05
Waltz for George
2:24 $0.99
Album Information
EDITOR'S PICK

Total Tracks: 5   Total Length: 17:42

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eMusic Review 1

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Amber Cowan

International Editor

12.13.12
Public Service Broadcasting, The War Room EP
2012 | Label: Test Card Recordings / Believe Digital

Usually, there’s no greater turn off than music that feels patriotic, which is the reason why Muse’s official anthem for the Olympics was so alarming (okay, one of the reasons). But The War Room EP by experimental electronic duo Public Service Broadcasting evoked a spirit of national pride and resilience that chimed in perfectly with the bunting-decked mood of London 2012, while also being genuinely innovative. Granted rare access to the British Film Institute’s archive of wartime propaganda, J Willgoose Esq and Wrigglesworth — the Brylcreemed moustaches are implicit — layered 1940s radio broadcasts over sample-heavy music that flows hypnotically from Krautrock to expansive, energetic post-rock. The concept initially seems like the equivalent of a “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster, but these tracks become more moving and evocative with every listen. The picture of the Blitz on “London Can Take It,” in particular, is soul-stirring stuff.

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The War Room EP

evol-i

See, interesting other reviews... I HATED this record even more for the praise being heaped on it, if just for how it didn't meet my expectations but also lived, er, down to the things the reviewers seemed to be rallying against. Or, as a friend put it, a "poor man's Mogwai" description hit the nail on the head so accurately I laughed. Weak instrumentals that wouldn't be out of place soundtracking a particularly boring ITV drama with some WWII samples over the top of it. Big deal. It's flat, lacking in atmosphere and dynamics, or even a memorable tune, it's boring, it's music to read football scores over, it's music for lifts and shopping centres, it's DULL.

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The War Room

mally

This was released in May 2012 and was instantly seen as a step towards a greater future of this twosome. I downloaded this ep a few months ago but have reviewed it now as I was fortunate enough to see them live, last night March 15th 2013. They were all I hoped plus another 100%. If you want a different listen to some of the garbage being passed-off as "modern" music, re-hashed 80's tunes, wall-to-wall "celebs" and talent show tat, then choose The War Room and find out why it is an E-Music "pick." Hear why SPITFIRE was a BBC Radio 6 record of the week, why Music Week, The Guardian, The Independent and whole lot more have taken to PSB. Download now and be informed, educated and entertained. Also go to publicservicebroadcasting.net and follow the links and more about the best new music around.

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Activity

  • 05.08.13 Greetings from Glasgow. Stage times tonight @ ABC2: Deer Lake 8pm, PSB 9. Curfew 11. Until then! PS we're not expecting to play for 2 hours
  • 05.07.13 Thanks Edinburgh! That was fun
  • 05.07.13 We're on at 9.15 in Edinburgh tonight by the way folks.
  • 05.06.13 .. for transmission at a later date. Sorry to anyone who was going to tune in.
  • 05.06.13 I (J W) was due to be chatting to Ally at Castle FM tonight but due to unforeseen circumstances now won't be. Will record a chat tomorrow..
  • 05.06.13 Obligatory album-in-a-real-shop-on-release-day shot. Thanks @avalanche_edin http://t.co/E1ikVCLkRm