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O Soundtrack My Heart - Pivot Album Review
Album Review
Warp have been innovators for nearly 20 years now and have served up some pretty incredible sounds from their enviable early "artificial intelligence" series right up to this rather unique Aussie band and their mix of quirky drum patterns (mostly live), soaring guitarscapes and wall-cracking basslines. Influenced by soundtracks and electronica with a gentle hint of 'rocking out' and jazz, it all sits perfectly within the Sheffield label's repertoire. They remind me of Dif Juz, Severed Heads, "Travelogue"-era Human League and Battles - instrumentals for thinking not dancing and themes for unsettling walks through deserted starlit landscapes. Hey, its working!
The opener, "October", sets the scene with a hark back to the more esoteric side to Talk Talk and Nocturnal Emissions before the much-touted "In The Blood" shows an almost pop-side to the band but still with sharp, jagged and discordant snaps of guitar and beats. The only straightforward track is "Fool In The Rain" which lollops along like OMDs "Motion & Heart" or even Jean Michel Jarre - the artwork, by the way, is by Michel Granger who painted Jarre's early sleeves. If all these comparisons bore you let me tell you this is a very coherent and beautiful album which is a contrast to their rather muddy performance at this year's Meltdown festival where they supported YMO - musically competent but didn't convey too well in the environment of a large hall. At home on headphones or at the Roundhouse (their next UK date) might make more sense.
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