Public Service Broadcasting, The War Room EP
Featured Album
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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Chimpmanon December 30, 2012 at 12:35 pm said: Buy this ep - I've been listening to this a lot over the last 6 months - a true ep in that all 5 tracks work as a whole - but London Can Take It and Spitfire stand out especially. Lucky enough to see PSB live in the summer and this works live almost better. Their earlier eps are well worth checking out.
