London Grammar?


Curious about people's opinions of London Grammar. I just discovered them on a Qobuz playlist.

I've only just started listening to their 3 albums. The music seems interesting enough to get my attention but not sure yet if it will hold it.

Curious as to how people feel about the technical quality of the recordings.

Interested to hear how people would classify the music. At times it seems a bit like pop.....maybe even a bit like Adele who I don't care for. But probably more than simple pop?

Curious what people think about Hannah Reid's voice. The range is certainly there. But is it disciplined? Is it it a pop gimmick? Is it AutoTuned?

What do you think about the two other musicians?

n80

So give us a few examples of music that you do find “engaging” inquiring minds want to know

@dougsat Well, something with a halfway decent melody helps as does some evidence of actual musicianship.  Nondescript synth mood music that sounds like it was composed completely on Pro Tools using AI just ain’t my thang.  Like I said, that’s just me and to each his own.  The OP asked for opinions so I was just sharing mine and no need to take it personally.

I think Hannah Reid has one of the most beautiful and unique voices in music. Overall, fantastic music IMHO. They actually have 4 albums out now, House, recently released, is the fourth album.

Thanks for the thoughts guys.

I'm still sorting out what I think about this band. For the record I don't mind 'mood' type music. I don't even mind some techno and electronic music. I don't go as far as 'ambient' type music though.

I like bands like Khruangbin a lot, although in that band there is no doubt about the presence of 'musicianship' even when there isn't a whole lot of thematic variation.

As far as London Grammar I do not perceive a lack of musicianship despite the electronic nature of it. But agree there isn't a lot of variation in the style.

Some of the compositions are quite good. Some of the songs are engaging.

Sound quality is good/okay on my system. A couple of songs sound great. 

Hannah Reid's voice is a bit of a mixed bag for me. Some of the higher register pieces sound a little weak or ragged and undisciplined even though I assume those are her signature hooks. It is almost like she is trying too hard. When she keeps it at a less extreme register I find her voice to be quite beautiful and engaging.

And I'm not suggesting all voices have to be precise and operatic. Ragged and edgy sounds great if you're Janis Joplin but not in techno symphonic stuff like this.

Anyway, I'm intrigued enough to keep listening which is more than I can say for a lot of stuff that is 10 years old or less.

 

quite good, if smoother and less visceral than my usual--the songs tend to sound samey, but they have some soul and i like the minimalism of the arrangements. whether or not you like this will depend 100% on whether you connect with her voice, which is big and dramatic.