dso reviews Careful What You Wish For

"Careful What You Wish For" (Album, 2008) !DSO Recommended!

Trakwerx

Clever, subtle, sophisticated and yet simple at the same time, London-based duo Cult With No Name create thoughtful ballads and minimalist pop. Erik Stein and Jon Boux operate in an under-exploited field that was more bustling in the 80s and 90s than of late, when the likes of Scritti Politti, Talk Talk, David Sylvian and others carved out and filled a niche with an impressive cluster of albums. Although clearly drawing inspiration from such sources, CWNN's style has a timeless quality and is contemporary rather than dated.

Thankfully, and slightly unexpectedly, the vocals are never too angst-ridden; if anything they're too reserved. Stein does utilise plenty of variety of delivery and maybe tries a tad too much at times with the vocal inflection, his voice has enough distinctive qualities that he doesn't need to resort to such tactics. Besides, the 'twang' it introduces can occasionally be intrusive. Stein's welcome diversions notwithstanding, some of the style of songs are just crying out for something a bit more emotionally bare like David Sylvian's Brilliant Trees - sometimes draining but never melodramatic. I think this is within Stein and Boux's reach - I'd just like to see them developing that side further.

The attention to detail on the production side is a crucial element in ensuring that the often spare styling not only stands up to scrutiny but is a key factor in the overall success of the album. Instrumentally, a deftness of touch shows Boux and Stein understand that less is often so much more. There are some beautiful pieces of piano composition and performance such as with Feels So Good. When it's just a voice and piano (as it essentially often is) there's nowhere to hide either, and neither the composition nor delivery are ever left exposed as wanting. It's lyrically playful too, with the song titles in particular reflecting a very personal approach that's engaging rather than alienating.

Tuxedomoon's Blaine L. Reininger guests on You Know Me Better Than I Know Myself, his glorious violin work adding a serious touch of quality to the only instrumental on the album (and taking them closer to the emotional honesty I referred to above). Then there's the striking arrangement of The Stranglers' Golden Brown, a distinctive piano and vocal only interpretation. A bold statement that they pull off in remarkable style. The tone and mood captured on Careful What You Wish For really is something special and one this British act can be proud of. Now, where did I put that first album…? 7/10

Rob Dyer (August 2009)

See also:

Eclectica
Scritti Politti
Shreikback
David Sylvian
Talk Talk
Tuxedomoon