Craig Armstrong
“As If To Nothing
(Melankolic/Virgin)
40-something year-old Glaswegian, Craig Armstrong, studied composition and piano at the Royal Academy of Music in the early 1980s. Since then he’s been moonlighting for some of the world’s most reputed pop acts. String and orchestral interpretations for U2, Madonna, Massive Attack and the Future Sound of London can all be credited to him. He’s also an acclaimed writer for theater and film, culminating in scores for Baz Luhrman’s “Romeo & Juliet,” which won him a 1998 Ivor Novello award and more recently “Moulin Rouge,” for which he picked up a Golden Globe for Best Original Music. His debut disc “The Space Between Us” was the orchestral album for the modern era, with its sweeping strings and soundtrack sensibilities. Supported by a cast of collaborators who add personality and depth to Armstrong’s dark, symphonic arrangements, “As If To Nothing” is written in the same vein, weaving a common thread between man and instrument. The first contribution comes from Evan Dando on “Wake Up In New York” — a post-dawn lullaby, fittingly sung by the NYC resident and ex-Lemonhead. On “Miracle,” Indian singer Swati Natekar introduces a certain spiritual mysticism, with Glasgow band Mogwai cutting in and out via their deftly played guitars. The Eastern element continues on “Amber,” after which the pace steps up a gear, launching into the spine-tingling, sub-electronic guitar sounds of “Inhaler” (which is when you find out why Armstrong is signed to Massive Attack’s label). Then it winds back down on “Hymn 2,” a track featuring Photek’s precision-tuned beats, juxtaposed with singer Kate Bott’s Baroque vocals. Other notable input comes from Alpha’s Wendy Stubbs (on the beautifully delivered “Sea Song”), David McAlmont and even Bono on a re-worked version of “Stay (Faraway, So Close!).” “Waltz,” vocalized by Laub’s Antye Greie-Fuchs, is another outstanding track that harmonizes and defines the album’s duality — a mix of mechanical coldness and organic warmth. Welcome to the dark side of cinematic pop. Out April 16 (For Craig Armstrong live — see music choices on page 15)
Recloose
“Cardiology”
(!K7/ Pias)
Small-time Detroit DJ, Matt Chicoine, first came to the attention of Motor City’s techno scene, when he was working in a take-away deli. After slipping his demo tape into an order placed by Planet E Records boss Carl Craig, he was signed-up almost immediately. His debut EP “So This Is The Dining Room” merited a handful of rave reviews from the local Detroit movement and pocketed him a residency in the Innerzone Orchestra. The live dates that followed took him around the world, permitting him to soak up sounds from as far afield as Malaysia, Canada and the Kapiti Coast in New Zealand, where “Cardiology” was recorded. His travels have obviously influenced his style. The repetitive 4/4 beats, once synonymous with Motor City, have given way to elegantly crafted bass-lines and dubbed-out breaks. Chicoine’s off-the-wall production style remains intact however, as do his early leanings toward jazz, with trumpet and saxophone chords (which he played from the age of eight) sprinkled over several of the 11 tracks. Pulsing with ambition and brimming with depth and a balanced sense of experimentation, “Cardiology” is the record that will expose Recloose as the gifted genius he is and finally tease his creativity out of hiding. Out April 22
Plus…
Chilly Gonzales “Presidential Suite” (Kitty Yo/Delabel)
A third album in three years from the Canadian President of the Berlin Underground. His rap strike having taken effect last year, expect to find more electro grooves and instrumentals in the President’s Suite. Out April 16
Bumcello “Nude for Love” (tôt Ou tard/Warner)
Vincent Ségal and Cyril Atef are two internationally-minded musicians. These five tracks include a cheeky loop from “Death In Vegas” on “Death In Brest” and a gentle soliloquy from the SoleSides players, Lateef the Truth Speaker, Gift of Gab and Chief Xcel. Out April 18 (For Bumcello live — see music choices on page 15)
Tribal Works “RPO Part Drums” (George V/Wagram)
Following his success with the Barrio Latino mixes, Chilean-Parisian DJ Carlos Campos juggles the tribal beats, with deep house tracks from Spiritual Vibe, Ajai and more… Out April 9
