- Clause Four aka Tom Giles uses computer sounds and sparse downtempo beats to create quirky, head-nodding tracks that crunch, lurch and crunk their way along like a lost ghoul going back to the boneyard. 'Blue on Blue' has the same kooky appeal as Metronomy's slower songs, but with a larger palette that includes the influence of dub, soundtracks, hip hop – and 80s consoles. But whilst they are very listenable, some of these tracks noodle a bit and don't develop very much, which is a pity because there's some lovely touches and many signs of a curious mind.
The first track, 'Blue on Blue' has breathy vocals from Nancy Elizabeth Cunliffe, the latest signing to the Leaf label, which puncture Casio synth stabs and a politely farty bass. The pairing of the single word utterances and the mechanical groove give it a lovely, metallic humanity. 'Walking' is the most upbeat of them all and gives Wevie Stonder a run for their money in the wonky dancefloor stakes. The ghostly effects and weird breathing would, I reckon, make it the perfect accompaniment to a zombie courting dance. By no means is this going to be a conventional dancefloor bomb, but on a large soundsytem it would definitely cause some damage.
The final track, 'Soul (Version)', reaches for (but doesn't quite get to) Aim levels of round-the-fire cosiness. Like Aim's tracks, it has touching strings and a childlike melody played on what appears to be a glockenspiel. But unlike Aim's multi-layered and fully formed tracks, it pretty much repeats this for four minutes, which is frustrating. Elsewhere 'Division' starts off well but unfortunately slips somewhere between a porn soundtrack and doctor's waiting room music.
Some loveable tracks here, then, but just as many which are little more than stretched out skits.
TracklistA1 Blue On Blue
A2 Version #1
A3 Version #2
B1 Division
B2 Walking
B3 Version (Soul)