Pilate — Sell Control For Life's Speed

When your full-length debut is a smash hit, the fear of the sophomore curse is tangible. Fortunately, Sell Control For Life's Speed is the kind of record that blows that theory out of the water. It barrels out of the starting gate with a quick 1-2-3 punch of solid, driving tracks, including the first single, "Barely Listening." Todd Clark's vocals oscillate between a breathy growl and soaring falsetto in the Thom Yorke style that made him famous. Pilate's Brit influences still fly strong, but their melodic, swirling sound takes them well beyond mere imitation. "Don't Stare" is an epic opus, while "Lover Come In" has Pilate exploring a more straightforward rock sound. Closing number "Into The West" starts off spare and understated and builds to a crashing climax underscored by classical choral arrangements. Pilate come off as a well-balanced group of collaborators who play the music they love, and love the music they play.

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