Album review

Charlotte Gainsbrough

I.R.M

added: 7 Feb 2010 // release date: 26 Jan 2010 // label:
reviewer: Mark Andrews

Translating the mind-mash to compliment Gainsbourg's sultry vocal is Beck, who was previously scheduled to underpin "5.55" back in 2006. Available and inspired this time round, he contributes the record's music, production and dabbles lyrically too.

On top of the sometimes clinical beats, Beck calls on his father David Campbell, who delivers a smooth yet mysterious orchestral arrangement across most of the record. Half stalking presentiment, half harmonious and lush.

The two contrasting feel's resonate throughout the majority of IRM's 14 tracks, interspersed with folksy americana and bluesy strut.

From the opener `Master`s Hands` you can tell this is going to be an interesting piece of work. Some parts remind me of Potishead and some even of the Beta Band before the title track IRM reveals itself to be another fasinating song (And definitely one of the highlights)

"La Collectionneuse", or The Collection to you Francophobes, offers more dream-weaving and psychedelia behind Gainsbourg's sassy vocal, concluded with a spoken word outro. So dry and upfront it's like she was perched next to me, whispering it in my ear.

Alas, as i reach for the beaujolais and contemplate striking up a conversation bonus track "Looking Glass Blues" swaggers on, providing a reality check and closure to a dextrous and intriguing record.

Expect IRM to appear on most people`s top 10 albums of the year as it has vocals, Production and originality that should make this incredibly hard to better. The first truly great album of the year.

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