cwas#13 / cwas#12 / cwas#11 / cwas#9 / cwas#8 / cwas#7
cwas#6 / cwas#4 / all reviews / search

Sierpinski was, as far as I can tell, a Polish mathematician who did stuff with numbers and triangles that I couldn't possibly begin to fathom and had a crater on the moon named after him for his efforts. It is also the name of a four piece from Leeds and 'This Geography Of Ours' is their debut long player. Produced by Richard Formby (Dakota Suite), this is a mostly instrumental affair; equal parts Third Eye Foundation (Invitation To Smile) to Rachel's (From Sunday), yet haunted throughout by the spectre that is the inevitable comparison to Hood (both producer and drummer Matthew Robson - aka Random Number - have enjoyed previous flirtations with the Adams family). Annoying as it must surely be to have ones achievements assessed in terms of another's work, it is not unfounded in this case, for there is much in common between the two bands, aside from simple geography and personnel. Not least that both excel in creating passionate and innovative music with a distinctly English rural feel. Music that effortlessly conjures up images of trees swaying vigorously in the bruising Yorkshire wind. Of pylons, wires humming, stretching like great monuments to our times far across the roaming countryside. Or perhaps (as the sleeve depicts) the early evening sunlight caught shimmering on the surface of an unseasonably warm sea. It should be said however, that Sierpinski, whilst not exactly unique in this somewhat cluttered landscape, do stand out (though perhaps not so much shining beacon as small, rounded hillock), managing - to their credit â?? to come across as not merely a watered down version of Hood, rather something of their own making. Just don't ask me what the hell that is, for I am sadly far too fat-handed and fumbling to put my finger on it. Comparisons and personal inadequacies aside; after a few listens it becomes apparent that 'This Geography Of Ours' really is rather gorgeous. Slow burning, its allure lies in its subtlety. With each play this record grows more and more delightful, gathering beauty like a tired old stone does moss. It's most unlikely that they'll get a second crater named after them for this record, or indeed any subsequent release. But let's face it, it ain't rocket science.

Graham Sefton
CWAS #11 - Autumn 2002

back