- Clause Four aka Tom Giles uses computer sounds and sparse downtempo beats to create quirky, head-nodding tracks that crunch, lurch and crunk their way along like a lost ghoul going back to the boneyard. 'Blue on Blue' has the same kooky appeal as Metronomy's slower songs, but with a larger palette that includes the influence of dub, soundtracks, hip hop – and 80s consoles. But whilst they are very listenable, some of these tracks noodle a bit and don't develop very much, which is a pity because there's some lovely touches and many signs of a curious mind.
The first track, 'Blue on Blue' has breathy vocals from Nancy Elizabeth Cunliffe, the latest signing to the Leaf label, which puncture Casio synth stabs and a politely farty bass. The pairing of the single word utterances and the mechanical groove give it a lovely, metallic humanity. 'Walking' is the most upbeat of them all and gives Wevie Stonder a run for their money in the wonky dancefloor stakes. The ghostly effects and weird breathing would, I reckon, make it the perfect accompaniment to a zombie courting dance. By no means is this going to be a conventional dancefloor bomb, but on a large soundsytem it would definitely cause some damage.
The final track, 'Soul (Version)', reaches for (but doesn't quite get to) Aim levels of round-the-fire cosiness. Like Aim's tracks, it has touching strings and a childlike melody played on what appears to be a glockenspiel. But unlike Aim's multi-layered and fully formed tracks, it pretty much repeats this for four minutes, which is frustrating. Elsewhere 'Division' starts off well but unfortunately slips somewhere between a porn soundtrack and doctor's waiting room music.
Some loveable tracks here, then, but just as many which are little more than stretched out skits.
Lista de sequência de músicasA1 Blue On Blue
A2 Version #1
A3 Version #2
B1 Division
B2 Walking
B3 Version (Soul)