Broadcast 2000 – Broadcast 2000

Despite their band-like moniker, Broadcast 2000 is largely one-man show. Rising from the ashes of the rather excellent Artisan, North London resident Joe Steer built-up Broadcast 2000 with his bare hands, writing, performing, recording and mixing his debut EP Building Blocks alone in his bedroom. The end result was a rather amiable and understatedly extravagant collection of instantly likeable tunes that showed a lot of promise from the obviously gifted multi-instrumentalist. 

This time around, Steer has roped in a host of friends to reach some of the greater heights that are clearly in his sight with Broadcast 2000. And given that Building Blocks had been on pretty constant rotation on this writer's stereo for the past two years, this release feels far more refreshing than it really ought to. Although the inclusion of two tracks from the previously released EP is a touch grating, you forgive it in an instant because the whole release is just so damn charming. 

Broadcast 2000 is a strong and enjoyable record, one which has clearly benefited from having a fuller band at its disposal while still retaining Steer’s respect for subtlety and nuance which are thankfully not ignored and if anything, are pushed even further. Standout track ‘All Is Said And Done’ is one of the better examples with its beautiful vocal harmonies dancing around the ornately structured orchestral flourishes which lovingly compliment each other. But then the record full of such moments and despite despite being clinical in depth and execution, it never at any moment overwhelms. Elsewhere ‘Your Own Worst Enemy’ is beautifully heartfelt, whilst at the same time strangely obtuse. And though one of the more straightforward offerings, ‘The Outsider Sleeps Inside’ gives the album a fuller palette of sounds that make this such a well rounded debut release. 

And with such widespread love for the twee-indie-folk movement right now, the timing couldn’t be better for Joe Steer and his band to take advantage of all that charm and joy. Full of sombre moments and campfire-melodies, Broadcast 2000 has all the makings of the next indie-folk mainstream breakthrough before nestling itself amongst an end of year list or two come December.