For You Sleepsleeper often becomes busy and cluttered, while in part it remains beautiful in its construction, home to acoustic bordering on classical influences, and touches of subtle framework.
[Purchase] The superb artwork that appears on the cover of this latest release sums up the dynamics of the content quite well. What I will say is that there are elements of cluttered confusion here, resembling ruminants of a bad dream, if you could express such an experience in musical form that is. Some of the pieces are broken, becoming difficult to fit together as a sequence of regular events. That said, it’s part of the appeal, and often used to positive effect.
The over energetic beat which transpires underneath the main expanse of “Infants Blue Gestures” does go some way to create that perplexing vision. There’s a tender start featuring a gentle piano, which disappears to make way for building swirls of open skies and expanding landscape. “Vertigo Neconate” shows off shimmering acoustic guitar melody, and there’s a similar beat construction to the previous track. It then becomes rather like a train gathering speed, with flashes of landscape zigzagging past. Some of it is of futuristic appeal while the contrast is that of vintage hippy. Flashing up yet another serene guitar introduction is “Her Balcony Mouth,” before it takes a turn for the unexpected. Further trippy elements are colored, with experimental percussion becoming a feature. The title track (audio stream below) itself is an innovative creation not unlike a film soundtrack – an introduction to a thrilling drama. The dramatic sequences generate great anticipation; perhaps exposing a deep sense of turmoil. Surprisingly, it then moves into a dreamy state – displaying reflections upon calmer times. There’s a switch to a country feel as the harmonica creeps in, as well as harp like sounds and gentle chimes. The album steps closer to the new age with “Hopskotch Eyestitch;” there’s an oriental sounding introduction – before it expands further, skipping along quite joyously before it glides into a true electronica styled expanse (audio stream below). This track flows in a more conventional way, with a less cluttered beat and generally reaches higher realms. In keeping with the lively and joyful, “Sudden Feet Shaker” achieves exactly that, with its heroic metallic outbursts.
For You Sleepsleeper often becomes busy and cluttered, while in part it remains beautiful in its construction, home to acoustic bordering on classical influences, and touches of subtle framework. An interesting blend, but one which threatens not to work for some in this particular context.
For Your Sleepsleeper is out now on How Is Annie. [Purchase]
[audio:http://igloomag.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Benjamin-Finger-For-You-Sleepsleeper.mp3|titles=Benjamin Finger “For You Sleepsleeper”] [audio:http://igloomag.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Benjamin-Finger-Hopscotch-Eyestitch.mp3|titles=Benjamin Finger “Hopscotch Eyestitch”]
