Cinerama: Torino : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

When Cinerama got down and dirty in a sweet kind of way on their second effort, 2000's Disco Volante, Wedding Present fans couldn't have been more delighted. It was indie-pop with a seductive twist and it worked brilliantly. So naturally David Gedge and company got extra formulaic on their third album, Torino. It's a bedlam of romance, a tender look back at first relationships and sexual romps, but with a bit of a smirk. An alluring backdrop of string arrangements and orchestral brass dress the darker tone of this album, and the Steve Albini touch isn't so peculiar this time around, either. Weddoes should be pleasantly surprised with Gedge's electrifying guitar work, too. The jaunty chamber-pop cut "Quick, Before It Melts" pokes fun at a one-night stand, while the morning after is cleverly depicted in the dreamy haze of "Get Up and Go." "Health and Efficiency" reminds us that sex does a body good; but if one forgets to do it with class, as in "Estrella," it leaves a bitter taste. Alas, Torino says that love is essential for the soul -- but in good measure, of course.

MACKENZIE WILSON
(August 6, 2002)