Strange.
Not what I was expecting.
Good.
Well, that was a short review. A tweet-sized review, if you will.
…
Oh, you want me to write more?
Ok…
This album intrigued me from the off when I was told that it was written and recorded in Iceland, along side local musicians. Ultimately not as groundbreaking as Paul Simon’s Graceland, but still an interesting production concept. Collaboration always interests me.
This being a debut album from Cheek Mountain Thief – Tunng frontman Mike Lindsay – and myself not having a great footing in the work of Tunng, it is impossible for me to say where Lindsay was influenced by the local sounds, and to which sections he adds his own flair. But that is ok, this is an album and should be judged by its own merits, and not its social context.
As soon as I heard about the link to Iceland, and before I even started listening, it drew me to comparisons with the music of Dad Rocks!, another frontman who released a folk-infused album. (He is Icelandic, in case you’re pondering too long on the link).
For me, ‘Cheek Mountain Thief’ doesn’t live up to the work of Dad Rocks!, but saying something doesn’t live up to one of your favourite musicians ever is hardly an insult, and this debut effort certainly has a lot going for it.
Lindsay’s voice definitely compliments the music very well, which has a wide range of instrumentation, including guitars, strings, brass, etc. This all leads to a lush folk – and in many cases folktronic – sound. Besides the comparison with Dad Rocks! I also hear murmurings similar to Devotchka, but the inclusion of some subtle but powerful electronic elements really give it a sense of its own identity.
I enjoyed listening to this album, but in my heart of hearts I honestly couldn’t tell you if I’ll be listening to it again. If you’re a fan of anti-folk, folktronica, Tuung, or Iceland, then I would recommend having a listen.
In short: Good, but not great. If it sounds like it might be your sort of thing then go make your own mind up.
I want to go to Iceland…
Released August 13th on Full Time Hobby.
Posted by James Galley.
