by Joe Jamnitzky
Yes, I realize I covered the first Operator Please album is last week’s Lost and Found article. As promised, I’m covering the second one this week. The reason for this (besides the obvious), is because this may as well have been a different band.
While having all the same members (with a new keyboardist being the only difference), the sound of their second album, Gloves, is pretty much the polar opposite of their debut album. Where there were once jagged guitars, hyper rhythms, and shout-along vocals, in their place has come an emphasis on synths, keyboards, and an 80’s sound. Where the violin was used as an upfront instrument of it’s own, it now has become more of a texture, blended in with the other instruments. Even the band’s look, which was once upbeat in a youthful way, has instead become more mature.
However, this is where the strength of the band lies. It is to their credit that they were able to revamp their sound completely and release an extremely solid, entertaining album, on only their second album. The change may have been too sudden or startling, though, as the album did not fare as well on the charts. It’s even more of a surprise that this album was also not released in the States yet again, because the overall sound feels tailor made for radio play.
Now, this isn’t always a good thing. In many ways, it can feel like a sell out. That’s not the case here, because despite the radical change in sound, it still feels like an Operator Please album. Amandah’s sassy vocals are much more suited for this style. Tracks such as “Loops”, “Like Magic”, and the excellent highlight “Back and Forth”, display a lighter touch, with an innocence and maturity in her voice that had not been present before.
This isn’t to say they still don’t have fun though. “Just Kiss” combines their early sound with their current synth sound, “Logic” is a sassy, sexy mid-tempo number, and “Volcanic” (shown below), is yet another highlight. With in your face vocals, a consistent beat and a musically explosive chorus that successfully combine the keyboards, guitar rhythm, and violin, “Volcanic” comes across as the best 80s song never to have been released in that decade.
Another plus for the album is it’s length. It’s quite short, only 10 songs in around 33 minutes, but that in itself is a blessing, because it keeps the album from getting old and doesn’t allow for filler, like many pop albums would.
Yes, I said it; this is a pop album, albeit one with an edge, and of course a violin (you had to know I’d mention that again). Had this gotten a release in the States, I have no doubt it would’ve gotten plenty of notice. It wouldn’t have necessarily broken them through here, but it sure would’ve gotten a lot of people’s attention.
Unfortunately, though, we were denied yet again. While it’s understandable that the first album may have been a bit TOO unique to get anywhere here (because originality doesn’t exist apparently), there is no excuse for this album not being heard in the States. Maybe it would’ve ended up a guilty pleasure, but even that’s better than nothing. Let’s face it, we love 80’s electro-pop-rock, no matter how much we claim not to. For those of us that are afraid to admit it though, this album is a necessity. With “Logic”, “Like Magic”, and the truly essential “Back and Forth” and “Volcanic”, do yourselves a favor and get this album.
We may not have gotten a release here, but we sure as hell can make sure this album doesn’t languish in obscurity.
