Culture

4/5

Who killed Sgt. Pepper? by The Brian Jonestown Massacre is a breathtaking album, and despite what may have been said of Anton Newcombe in the past, he has undeniable talent. 
 
The album is a step forward from their previous work, as shown by the opening track ‘Tempo 116.7 (Reaching for dangerous levels of Sobriety)’. It shows that The Brian Jonestown Massacre’s sound has developed since My Bloody Underground while still retaining their original neo-psychedelic sound after over a decade of recording. This early song is more ambient than the later tracks and is a definitive step forward from previous, drug-fuelled, work. 
 
The album feels far more layered than other BJM albums and contains an array of instruments throughout the thirteen songs. Although requiring a few listens, ‘The One’ is an interesting track with an upbeat start. However the songs that really standout are ‘This Is The One Thing We Did Not Want To Have Happen’ and ‘Someplace Else Unknown’. The first is a far more rock-orientated song with repetitive yet catchy drums while the latter is a loud song with very heavy bass – excellent to stomp to. Despite unremarkable lyrics, “I’m not asking ‘bout Jesus, not asking for hugs” and a focus on getting high, instrumentally, it is fantastic. With Who Killed Sgt. Pepper? Anton Newcombe shows his talent and BJM show their growth. If you are a fan, you will enjoy this.