Having already brought out one of the best albums of 2013 so far with "Inform - Educate - Entertain", it is a welcome surprise to see some new music from Public Service Broadcasting mere months after its release.
It is particularly welcome to see PSB taking a new approach to their sample-led formula. Because for the first time, they have based their music around samples not in the English language. "Elfstedentocht" takes its name and samples from a 200km speed skating event that takes place in the Netherlands on an infrequent basis depending upon local weather conditions. Seemingly spurred on by the Dutch samples they had at their disposal, PSB decided not to just make one song, but two based around the event, both of which show off the two distinct sides of the group which have been apparent over the past few years.
"Elfstedentocht Part 1" is a driving rock track which seems to highlight the competitive side to the event, with heavy guitars juxtaposed alongside glacial synths. Part 2 on the other hand is, for lack of a better phrase, more of a chill-out track which seems to highlight the extreme weather conditions that the skaters find themselves in during the race.
It's great to hear some new music coming from the guys at Public Service Broadcasting, especially seeing them experimenting with new ideas whilst still staying true to the vision that made the group so beloved in the first place. Could this be the precursor to a new body of work for the duo outside of the English language? If it is, then on the strength of "Elfstedentocht", it cannot come soon enough.
Public Service Broadcasting will be touring the UK in November, including dates at the Stiff Kitten, Belfast on 15th November, and The Glassworks, Derry on 17th November.
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