WIFE is not what its name suggests. Far from being feminine or even attached to anything by a matrimonial contract, the new project for Irish singer James Kelly is an intriguing, slow burning affair. It packs a hefty emotional kick, though, for Kelly has mastered the art of pacing his songs to perfection, often beginning in stark surroundings but letting the texture and the pressure build. In fact the whole album is structured in this way, so the early songs ‘Like Chrome’ and ‘Tongue’ give the listener a chance to get acquainted with Kelly’s way of doing things, before ‘Dans Ce’, ‘A Nature (Shards)’ and ‘Fruit Tree’ go for the emotional and musical jugular. With clever production Kelly creates a wider view of his own music, and the concrete beats, flitting electronics and profound vocals all combine to make something rather special. A darkly lit view of the world it may be, splintered with paranoia, but ‘What’s Between’ is a statement of real substance.
5 out of 5
Reviewed By Ben Hogwood
