David Cronenberg's Wife: Hypnagogues
David Cronenberg's Wife: Hypnagogues
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By James Christie
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Tuesday, 10, Nov 2009 01:33
Blang, out November 9th 2009.
In a nutshell...
Back with a bang.
What's it all about?
Hypnagogues is a welcome return for David Cronenberg's Wife, with notable individuality. There is perhaps more of a spoken-word style to this album than its predecessor Bluebeard's Rooms, although this treads close to the border between speaking and singing, at times seeing vocalist Tom Mayne flit between the two in a single line or verse. As might be expected in a sophomore release, rather than a debut album, the band's own style and sound are well cemented and seem set in stone - and that makes for a mature and satisfying synthesis of vocals and backing track.
David Cronenberg's Wife have been well received by the critics and have occupied their own place in my heart since I reviewed their first effort last year. It's good to see that they're back and still making waves. Let's hope some of the more esoteric tracks on Hypnagogues can make some ground in terms of airplay and really bed the band into the public psyche.
Who's it by?
David Cronenberg's Wife are fronted by Tom Mayne, who takes the reins for both vocals and guitar. There is something of a guitar theme throughout the remainder of the group, as drummer Stuart Saunderson is the only member to play a non-stringed instrument. The rest of the quintet includes bassist Rhi Tucker and Mark Watts, who plays both bass and guitar. Thom Alder is the final member, bringing a bow to the party as violinist - although he too plays guitar.
Following last year's release of Bluebeard's Rooms, Hypnagogues is the band's second album. Collectors looking to complete their discography should also be aware of the existence of singles from David Cronenberg's Wife, including Runaway Pram, which features as lead track on last year's album. No doubt there will be further additions to the singles collection in the coming months, as many of the tracks on Hypnagogues seem up to the challenge of going it alone.
As an example.
"If only I could live in an episode of Ideal Homes/Or Treasure Hunt - with Annabel Croft/Life would be slimpler then/Heh - I mean simpler" - Sweden
Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys
Perhaps more likely than with Bluebeard's Rooms, as the overall sound of Hypnagogues is more mature - go on someone, give it a gong.
What the others say
"Hypnagogues is a weird and wonderful experience that threatens early on to deliver something different on each track." - The Music Magazine
"David Cronenberg's Wife are a little bit schizophrenic donning many masks throughout Hypnagogues. They appear to make sport of taking on other sounds." - Muso's Guide
So is it any good?
Those of you who read my review of Bluebeard's Rooms will know that I gave it a decent write-up, and deservingly so. This time around, there's marked improvement. The vocals of Tom Mayne are rich and individual, while the subject matter is somewhat off-the-wall in a good - and not annoying - way. Topics range from Lou Reed to Treasure Hunt - although, frustratingly, David Cronenberg's Wife here refer to Annabel Croft as the presenter. But perhaps we can let that one slide.
Beyond that minor infringement, the remainder of Hypnagogues is rich and varied, well constructed and well performed - and very much does not feel like it is only the second studio album to be put out by this group. Once again, effective performance and a general air of self-confidence - both relating to the writing of the songs and to their delivery - permeates the playlist and makes this a thoroughly enjoyable piece of work.
8/10
Bob Bardsley