CD Album Recommendations July 2010

Review: It's a sad but true fact that original pioneers of any art form often age badly, softening up as they engage less and less inquisitively with the world around them or, worse, get stuck treading the same water they did 15 years ago to much lesser effect. Anyone wishing to level that criticism at Robert Hood should check out Omega. A concept album which aims to soundtrack the 1971 film The Omega Man which haunted Hood as a child, Omega is an edgy, anxious record which ably mirrors a dread filled world. From shadowy, glitchy depictions of being chased through a dark, derelict city ("The Workers of Iniquity") to paranoid, frenzied and disorientating cuts like "Saved by the Fire" via the spaceship take-offs, broken beats and trademark snappy snares of "The Wheels of Escape" or the eerie, suspended tension of recent single "Omega (End Times)" you can't help but get emotionally entangled in this album as it plays out. Of course, Omega must be digested whole for maximum effect. But equally, heads down techno hustles like the nervy "Think Fast" beg to be played loud; in a pitch-black, sweaty club; somewhere free from distraction. Wherever you hear these dark, prophetic sounds, though, they never fail to monopolize your mind. Available in a whopping 3xLP + CD package.

Review: "Our Time Our Place" came out mid last month as a taster for this, much anticipated third artist album from Phonique. As sophisticated and melodic as the single was, it could have never have hinted at the diversity and musicianship that awaited us in the album proper. Kissing Strangers is a diverse record that draws influence and inspiration from seemingly everywhere. Most of the tracks also feature guest appearances including production work from Gui Boratto, H.O.S.H. Pupkulies & Rebecca, Abyss and Kiloo whilst vocal additions were made by Ian Whitelaw, Berlin-based soul singer Georg Levin, Nadesdha and Louie Austen whose rat pack styled vocals add a vintage shine to "Endless Love". Other highlights include the inimitable cabaret-jazz strut of "A Change Receives the Blessing" and the driving club collaboration with Boratto, "Blindfolded".