| Artist |
| Bit Pixel |
| Title |
| The All Clear |
| Format/Cat |
| CD A-FRAME 007 |
| Label |
| A-Frame Media\Lucky Pierre |
| Style |
| Electropop |
| Date of review |
| October 2008 |
| Reviewer |
| Carl Jenkinson |
| Rating |
| 7/10 |
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The album art of Andy C's first Bit Pixel album (although some of you may be familiar with his work as The Glimmer Room), which is presented in a DVD box, recalls the Protect And Survive pamphlets of the 80s (which at the time the powers that laughably thought would save us from the nuclear aftermath). This is appropriate in a way as Andy's music recalls the less glamourous underside of that decade very clearly, offering 40 minutes (so it's not exactly an epic) of enjoyable, accessable synthpop that boasts both a definate analogue & a very 'British' feel throughout. Only 'Summer Tide' breaks this mood, reminding me of some modern American synthpop bands (although I can't put my finger on why!) but for the most part, Andy presents a more parochial but often satisfying set of tracks that also demonstrate his considerable melodic abilities, most notably on the excellent instrumental 'To The Shelter'; just check out that TR303, eeh, takes me back, that does & by combining these old skool motifs with such richly-textured melodics, Andy creates a sound that is neither too 'nice' nor too cold, witness the uplifting synthleads that grace the almost bittersweet opener 'Could I Leave With You?' & the nicely melancholic title track that, like most of the album, is an unpretentious piece that quietly works its way into your head with its understated manner that you suddenly realise is something rather special. Elsewhere some solid basswork sets the scene for the nicely strident edge that graces 'Cherry Blossom' while 'Leave The City' proves to be the album's highlight by way of some pretty robust rhythms & instantly memorable melodics that makes for more of a no-nonsense feel. All in all this is a successful & very likeable album that could well take you back in time a decade or two & heralds the arrive of a modest & unassuming synthpop sound.
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