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Attrition are one of those bands who I've been aware of for a considerable amount of time. Perhaps not the 25 years of their existence, but I've never consciously listened to their music. "Favourite Things" is one for the science fans in the audience. A stern sounding woman lists items you might find in a laboratory over some moody swirling electronic sounds. The use of film samples is a bane of my life; I'd rather have a song with singing or as an instrumental, rather than this halfway house.
Things improve with "The Head Of Gabriel" which features beguiling female vocals of the Mystic Orient, supplied by Laurie Reade. I much prefer her singing to the spoken word style of Martin Bowes, who is responsible for male vocals - and electronics. These electronics burble beguilingly during this song. "Dante's Kitchen" sees the mix of angelic female/demonic male vocals continue. Some of the synth sounds are evocative of faraway lands. The lyrics aren't clear enough to give us clues to the state of the kitchen, nor its owner Dante. Perhaps it's time to read The Divine Comedy, paying particular attention to the domestic scenes? This song is theatrical and interesting, though it intrigues the mind more than it woos the heart. "Dreamcatcher" has a funky bass sound, over which Bowes recites a list of ominous things. There are more movie-esque speech samples. The sound is sparse, but never hollow. "A'dam & Eva" sees us move unexpectedly into the genre of gothic music hall, with some ghostly organ providing the backing to Reade and Bowes' vocals. The former uses real words this time, which adds variety. "I Am Eternity" sees the female vocals take centre stage, a move of which I approve. The mixture of ancient and modern sounds recalls Qntal. This song is the highlight of the album. "Two Gods" is another track with a menacing atmosphere. It gets a little repetitive towards the end, though this could be trance-inducing depending on your mindset. "The Mind Machine" is perky. It features a sample of a car being started, or maybe the titular device has the same starting mechanism? The eight minute (including applause) "The Long Hall" brings the album to a close. "November 18th. 2006" contains birthday wishes for Martin, with a discordant electronic backing. I'm sure it's what he would have wanted. Birthday celebrations aside there's a coldness to Attrition's sound which stops me connecting with the music they make. They are good at what they do, and I'd certainly not object if someone put this album on, but with the exception of "I Am Eternity" I can't see myself seeking this music out again. |
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