Chris Letcher - Spectroscope CD

On Spectroscope Letcher seamlessly runs the gamut between the two modes of thinking, drawing in both the experienced listener (a term I feel pretentious for even writing) and the casual appreciator of well-written popular song. The record is flush with nods to indie rock and experimental/orchestral pop predecessors, but each song's components quickly reveal the technical skill of the composer. The 7/8 time found in "The Sun, The Sun!" is normally a herky, jerky affair, but here saunters along so smoothly underneath the near-perfect indie pop arrangement that it's hardly noticeable. Masking of odd times is usually the territory of genre-masters such as Radiohead or Pink Floyd. Space is carved here for every instrument to have a say, and the sing-along vocals bring further accessibility.

However, the end of the song takes a Reich-ian turn toward pulsing minimalism - an obviously more academic style. The staggered polyrhythms of the second track, "The Loneliest Air," though constantly present, don't fully reveal themselves until the jarringly complex breakdown near the end of the song. Orchestral instruments share the stage with electronics and a traditional rock band, all intricately heaving and weaving together into an remarkably well-balanced mish-mash of sneaky pop goodness. Though a few of the songs degrade into academic territory that might be too off-putting for the average listener (e.g., the very Bartók-esque atonal section of "One Died"), the album works as a wonderful patchwork which, in sections, is enjoyable in almost every setting. Amazon.co.uk review

878068002010

SSCD 527

Sheer Sound, 2011

UK

Good condition

C08

(X)