Television's second album, Adventure, was released just one year after the critical success of their debut, Marquee Moon, and marks a notable change in musical direction for the four-piece. The New Yorkers were at the forefront of the 'New Wave' musical movement prominent in the late 70s and much anticipation surrounded the release of their second album.
Thankfully, where so many bands have fallen, Television soar
Adventure sees the band take full advantage of the studio with the exploration of new sounds and techniques broadening and thickening their sound. The band are confident and assured throughout and nervous nail-biting and breath-holding should be saved for a less talented group.
Foxhole's choppy, aggressive opening chords beckon a rhythm section which arrives with a jerky swagger as lead guitar swirls around singer Tom Verlaine's unmistakable shriek.
Backing vocals seem to have risen the musical hierarchy of the group's sound with every track featuring effective harmonies to complement Verlaine's at times tragic and always heartfelt lyrics.
Stand-outs include the prior mentioned Foxhole, as well as album opener Glory which confirms the group's ability to produce a top class pop single without losing its identity in the sometimes intoxicating and crushing atmosphere of second album expectations.
Days sees a mathematical riff waltz with heartbroken chords as Verlaine reminisces the loss of a love over the song's melancholy arrangement.
Carried Away is the album's tear jerker, the band adding gentle piano keys and organ to their sound. Ain't That Nothing returns to the kind of stop-start rhythms heard on Marquee Moon's See No Evil and this album's Foxhole and features a ridiculously simple chorus specifically designed to infest the brain and breed.
Something to note is that the tracks on the album are shorter and less indulgent than Marquee Moon, which makes the album a smoother, shorter ride, the album running at just over half an hour. This great follow up to Marquee Moon ends with the epic The Dream's Dream.
The psychedelic opening guitar lines and playful drum and bass accompaniment ensure that the album's final track stays with you long after its final note fades away.
This album is essential for existing fans of Television, but with its musical range hitting unexpected heights of experimentation without the group losing its identity, Adventure should not be ignored by any self-respecting fan of good music.
9/10
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