04 February 2006

Miller + Fiam - Modern Romance - Expanding - CD













Expanding are certainly starting the year off in style here with two fabulous releases with the second coming from the excellent pairing of Dave Miller and Harry Hohnen.

This is not the first time the duo have worked together as they've released tracks on both Background and Meupe over the last couple of years, although this is their first full length work.

On the strength of 'Modern Romance' they could well find themsleves being called to work as a duo on a more regular basis as this is simply a gorgeous piece of work which comes across as a real team effort.

Miller's more minimalistic work for Background has always had a strong sense of groove and funk and he's managed to imbue this CD with a surprising amount of that feeling considering it's mostly a downbeat oraganic / electronic piece of work. There are very subtle 4/4 beats lurking in the mix which work beautifully with the live sounding guitars, pianos and even drums.

Light, airy arrangements give it springy step and although the tracks are low-key, there's a feeling of robustness to the sounds and an overall jazzy tinge that keeps things fresh and lively. There's an element of glitch going on (particularly in the percussion) but, once again, this takes a backseat compared to the general melodic nature of the productions and whilst it has a slightly 'free' feeling that borders on abstract at times, it's all amazingly cohesive and tight.

Influences are varied and you can really hear Post-Rock, Folk, minimal Electronica and more all shining through in the mix. This is a deep work with layers that only become apparent as you spend more time with it... I for one would suggest it's well worth spending that time with as it's an incredibly satisfying piece of work.

Once again, Expanding proves that it's a label that's not afraid to release something a little bit different.

Superb.

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