UNKLE Album: “War Stories”

I find it hard to see why some reviewers have characterised this as bland or unoriginal. From first listen it was clearly an UNKLE record - slow melodic intros followed by discordant guitars and thumping drums or electro bass sounds. Not the classic that NEVERNEVERLAND was, but how could anything match the brilliance of that album? What you get is a great collection of electronic infused rock songs that blows most of the current indie competition away. This is not a singalong album, but a pulsating mix of atmospheric rock tunes that should be played in the evening and enjoyed with a glass of good wine.

After being monumentally disappointed by DJ Shadow's last release 'The Outsider', I must say that I am pleased with UNKLE's latest 'War Stories'. I am sad that this album isn't being plugged more. I randomly stumbled upon it at my local record store.

In college, I was a huge fan of DJ Shadow's Endtroducing, which lead me to UNKLE, due to Shadow's semi-involvement. Whereas Shadow went in a completely different direction on his last album, UNKLE/James Lavelle sticks to what got him here in the first place, which I have always liked.

I was giddy as soon as the fast-paced mashing of the drums kicked in pretty early on. The album has a really dark edge to it, hence the War Storiese name. The music, as always, is great. Lots of layers/textures; it's very impressive for an "electronica" act.

I did not expect so many vocals on the album though. When I initially opened up the booklet before listening, I saw Vocals on almost every track and though "Uh-oh, this might be a bad sign." But have no fear, the vocals are all very good and complement the music nicely. The vocals are almost used like another layer/texture in addition to the music.

A very solid album start-to-finish. It feels more like a big cohesive piece of music more than it does a collection of individual songs. If you're a fan of UNKLE's previous work, or a fan of DJ Shadow's pre-Outsider work, I recommend picking it up.

This album is amazing! There are no words to describe how well I connect with this album. It has a certain vibe to it that I cannot explain. I tried to compare this artist by mashing up two or three different ones and I cannot put my thumb on it! There are only a couple songs on the CD which do not connect with me.

Burn My Shadow (feat. Ian Astbury) is an absolutely phenomenal song. A clip of it is in the new Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood video game trailer commercial. That song, Broken, Lawless and Chemistry are among my top favorite songs on the CD.

The song "Chemistry" is sampled in Lupe Fiasco's "Hello/Goodbye (Uncool)".

Throughout this album you will find expertly intertwined: piano, guitar riffs, deep bass, both guitar and drums; great vocals, and killer percussion.

Go ahead and listen to Broken 30-second sample on this website. I highly recommend this album.

the second i heard this album it clicked with me. i love it. its so creative and so well done. beautiful melodies and beats and everything. Keys to the Kingdom is one of the best songs i have ever heard in my life. this album needs to be heard by you if you havent heard it yet

This might be the best UNKLE to date. Some might say it is too rock, but UNKLE has always had tracks that were rock. Wish I could see them live. Anyway this pick-up is a no choice if your a fan of UNKLE or just an admirer of good experimental electronic/dance.