(Review by Steve Horowitz)
Quiet gently opens up the proceedings with Miles-like trumpet
and Theremin-like saxophone playing. Little
Ease uses all sorts of
electronic wizardry to great aplomb pumping up the action as we move up and
down through the gears. Corniche is a fairly gentle tune dominated by
Judge’s trumpet with some neat work by the rhythm section.
The second half of
the title Antilope is saxophone led before Barr’s bass
really gets to work and finishes with another fine Judge trumpet solo. Luposcope is the most ambient piece
encompassing more expert use of electronicary. Viking Death Moped is a blast from start to finish and really does conjure
up the image of hordes of Nordic invaders mounted on motorized horses cruising
though the neighbourhood. The following 3 tracks Hope, Trope and Lope not only rhyme but also
reinforce the great collaborative work of the entire band,
from the throbbing bass of Hope through to the triumphant
fanfare of Lope. Numbers builds gently, almost classically, before a fierce bass and drum
attack closes the album.
I have heard other reviewers (Jamie Callum to name but
one) single out the ex Portishead members for special mention but personally I
think this is disingenuous to the other not so famous members of the band who
contribute just as much to this thoroughly enjoyable album as a whole. The
band’s use of modern technology keeps the music fresh, alive and always
interesting. In conclusion Lope and Antilope certainly ‘gets my blessing’.
Get The Blessing: Lope and Antilope will be available on Naim Records from January 14, 2014.
Steve H.
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