Wavelength May 2002

Review by Steven Venn.



Finally we are no one (FatCat)

This excellent follow-up to the 2000 debut release, "Yesterday Was Dramatic, Today Is Ok" by Iceland's Múm, finds these wunderkind strengthening their already unique and deeply infectious "instro-spective" electronic sound. Where "Dramatic" had some beautiful melodies and some sad and sultry accordion, "Finally We Are No One" feels more complete and whimsical. Where "Dramatic" seem to hint at an idea, Finally We Are No One blows out the stops. Also the addition of the child-like singing of Gyda and Kristin-Anna Valdysdottir, sounding somewhat like Isobel Campbell if she was from Rejyavik, makes this album even more magical than the debut. But its like choosing which kid you like better if you're a parent. Nothing here disappoints, from the windup toy sounds and hard-drive detritus to the lonely accordion to the great, playful dance textures. Reminiscent of some of Aphex's best tinkerings, Boards of Canada or Morr Music's stable of great artists, this is quickly one of my favourite albums of the year so far. It is both unique and sadly beautiful with a wintry grace not unlike the mood created last year by that other famous Icelander, Bjork. Kudos to FatCat for picking up this great talent and bringing it more readily to the world. Iceland is just kicking so much ass lately, it seems.

File Next To - Boards of Canada, Dntel, Artic circle elf-tronica, music boxes.



back