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"Does You Inspire You"

Chairlift – Does You Inspire You
20 November 2008, 12:00 Written by
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Chairlift may have the coolest creation story ever. Yes, even better than all that seven days stuff. Formed in 2005, the band originally got together to make background music for haunted houses, which sounds like a pretty good agenda to work to.

Does You Inspire You isn't exactly like the soundtrack to a ride on the Ghost Train, but it isn't far off. Less scare, more ambience, but still with the odd freaky scream thrown in. And the lyrics are more educational than frightening - "Our intercourse was well protected we made love with each others' eyes"- perhaps a good message for any teenagers heading for the Tunnel of Love later.

As with cheesy fun fair rides, Chairlift's music reeks of the 80s - Grace Jones and the Pet Shop Boys must definitely be proud that their synth riffs and Clavinova sounds are still resonating 20 years on. 'Bruises' is undoubtedly a contender for cutesy love song of the year, one look at the lyrics - "I tried to do handstands for you/But every time I fell for you" - laid over synth chords, a looped bass and some general twinkly sounds will have you seducing your sweetheart in no time.

The album has a wonderfully laid back, slightly melancholic feel, much like when you're on a chairlift and you get so high up there's no annoying ski-related chatter, just glorious white mountains. It's tailor made for Sunday evenings, but still as effective on Monday morning, Â to ease you into the week.

Caroline Polachek's vocal style makes it sound as though she means every damn word, and labours over it intensly. It's a strong deep voice that's in no danger of getting lost in the synths, and reminiscent of Kate Bush.

'Territory', slotted in half way through the album, develops into a huge landscape of sound, less of an accompnaiemnt to a haunted house, and more like something you'd expect to hear when people are walking on the moon.

Chairlift stick firmly to their blend of synths and electronics, but utilise them to create many a different mood, from forobding warnings to adorable pop with even a bit of dirty rock and roll and and bluegrass squeezed into the middle.

Does You Inspire You at first glance, is an homage to the 80s. But it's also an incredible incorporation of many genres with cracking vocals, well written lyrics and an amazing knob twiddling skills that would be wasted in a haunted house.
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