Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 04/10/2007
Expansive, lush, and rhythmically compelling,
Goldrush's
The Heart Is the Place finds the Oxford, England, band reworking their sound just enough to keep things interesting, while retaining their core approach. Still evincing a kind of West Coast
country-rock fuzziness combined with a '90s shoegazer aesthetic,
Goldrush is like
Ride with more roots leanings. In fact, it should come as no surprise that they backed former
Ride frontman
Mark Gardener on his 2005 effort
These Beautiful Ghosts. In that sense, there is a kind of
neo-psychedelic vibe to
The Heart Is the Place with tracks like the steadily driving
"The Story of the City" and sparkling
"24 Hours" bursting forth with ever-growing layers of sound that build throughout the track. Similarly, cuts like the lullaby-esque
"Sun in Your Eyes" and the dramatic western
ballad title track utilize various horns, bells, and keyboards to superb sonic effect. Ultimately though, all the tidal waves of sound and studio creativity wouldn't mean much if it weren't for lead singer
Robin Bennett's superb songwriting, which leaves you more often than not in state of poignant, melodic bliss.
~Matt Collar, All Music Guide