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Couch :: Figur5 (Morr Music, CD)
Bang, here’s a rock song. Figur5 starts that clearly and unambiguously. Well, OK, it’s an instrumental, but it’s very strongly in the tradition of bands such as Ride or perhaps Couch’s contemporaries, Mogwai. Guitars belt out distorted chords, while the rhythm section maintains momentum. Maybe not what I expected on Morr Music, but on reflection it makes perfect sense, given the label’s first big statement of intent was a tribute album to 90s shoegazers Slowdive.
Couch are a band in the traditional sense, so the album continues in a fairly similar vein, although several of the tracks feature prominent programmed beats and synth parts. However the rhythm section changes, the focus of each track is usually a chiming, understated guitar line (or two) and the most obvious points of reference are always from the world of rock.
I find the music a little straight for my tastes, but if you are a fan of building, repetitive rockers from bands like Mogwai or even Sigur Rós, then you’ll probably find a lot to enjoy here. Likewise, fans of very clearly emotive albums like Ulrich Schnauss’ Faraway Trains Passing By or Arovane’s Tides (both City Centre Offices) will probably enjoy this, if they’re comfortable with the odd rock-out.
Figur5 is out now on Morr Music.
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ISAN :: Plans Drawn In Pencil (Morr Music, CD)
ISAN make very nice music. They have the lightest, crispest percussion in the universe and layer cheerful melodies over soothing chords. The beats are never in your face, the bass tones are soft and rounded. For me they’re something like the aural equivalent of high quality chocolates – every chocolate tastes great, but the sweetness gets a bit much too consume in one sitting.
Plans Drawn In Pencil shows no great diversion from what ISAN have done before, but if you’re looking for some relaxed electronica and are tired of your Boards of Canada records, this is a safe bet.
Plans Drawn In Pencil is out now on Morr Music. (Buy it at Amazon.com)
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