| Fans of Her Space Holiday are going to be surprised by this, and that's taking into account that they're an open minded bunch. You have to be if you're going to follow Marc Bianchi's musical output - from the start he's established himself as a forward-thinking bloke, unafraid of taking risks, but for this new album he's left his computer behind. Missing is the sample-driven backdrop - Bianchi has gone organic - and in comes the traditional band: live drums, bass, guitars and voice, with some keyboards, too. The result is a lo-fi indie record that references the Beatles, Brian Wilson and a broad palette of blues rock - but refuses to stick to anything that's easy or memorable. It's an artist's album; it's hard work. Bianchi's vocal is more pronounced than ever, and as he strains at his vocal chords, he slides off the notes, which is all very trendy in its failure to stick to obvious pop motifs, but simply doesn't sound that great. Perhaps he learnt it from sometime touring buddiess Bright Eyes, forgetting that his voice isn't a patch on Oberst's. While he should be commended for stepping out of his comfort zone, this is an album for a small audience: Her Space Holiday devotees and people who think Ben Kweller should be more obtuse. - Rock Sound |
