psapp - the only thing i ever wanted
well who would have expected this ! a few years on from a gorgeous ep on the melodic label, we now get to find out that toybox raiders psapp are now rubbing shoulders with the monkeys and ferdinand on the years fave domino label and soundtracking major usa tv dramas.
gosh.
though, despite these grand progressions, the music is still very much based upon the same principals. real world noises are cut-n-paste into new forms, making the music sound strangely familiar but very different at the same time. for all the smile inducing experimentation that the duo love to chuck into the mix, the emphasis is all about the song - so much so, that underneath the superficial weirdness is a traditional song orientated album. luckily, even with the widescreen production (opener 'hi' literally jumps out of the speakers) things are still welcoming and very special, i don't think i have anything in the collection that sounds like the noise that psapp are able to create.
so while there are many wonderful tracks across this album i am not sure just how people who have discovered this special couple via radio 2 and tv, will take to this style of sonic laptop twitchiness. i would like to believe that the band are past caring and dont crave the chart positions, so continuing to scavenge the house for more of their noise making extras. just check the beat propelled, 'king of you' for evidence that its not just four tet that has discovered the inner demon funk of so-called proper instruments and their processing via software. of course, the opening tracks instantly draw you into the bands own world, and yes, there are a few songs where the mind wonders off into territories of abandonment, but just as you feel ready to hit the 'eject' button', the creaks and strains of wood, metal, plastic are syncopated once again getting the focus back onto track, while the sublime vocals by galia constantly impress with their seductive, but devilish, charm. i mea, surely i am not the only person that gets all goosebumps by recent single 'tricycle' ? over-exposed yet - no bloody way, i still love this far more than i probably should.
a fine album that should easily please anyone going along to this years greenman festival, (oh how i wish .. ), as well as fans of experimental pop music.