Creative film composer Will Bates incites a multitude of emotional reactions, with the infectiously melodic, quirky yet enthralling tones and ventures of The Pirate Album.
For those new to his work, this journey marks a fine example of a well-arranged project. We begin with the funky retro tones and catchy melody of Superman Hits the Pulsar – big-band organic meets with nostalgic electro, for an intimate to immersive realm of impressively unique yet engaging production and design.
That balance is key, the quirky and alternative not standing to connect well on their own – the music has to offer some thread of familiarity, something human; perhaps a comforting phrase or feeling, in order to present well to the masses. I believe that’s precisely what you get with this album. Originality walks hand-in-hand with an established understanding of what connects with an audience and an individual listener.
We continue through the mellow reflections of Don Ruben as Cat, the intriguing vocal fragments and joyful piano of Look At My Shoes, and later, the likes of the circling funky depth and mystique of Emergency Room Cure, and this truth becomes all the more clear. We’re in the territory of early Fatboy Slim in some ways, but in others; not at all.
Will Bates entertains, engages, and occasionally unsettles, and there’s plenty to unpack throughout the nine original tracks of The Pirate Album.
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