Githead’s debut album ‘Profile’ got my vote as album of the year in 2005, so when the follow up ‘Art Pop’ arrived, I got a little over excited to say the least. Colin Newman of Wire (my favourite band ever), leads the Githead assault with his deadpan lyrics that sometimes build into mini tantrums, while Robin Rimbaud, Malka Spigel & Max Franken cook up a simmering stew of funky rhythms and slightly strung out melody’s. ‘Art Pop’ opens with the solid groove of ‘On Your Own’, which also boasts a sweet & catchy chorus over fat distorted guitar riffs. The following ‘Drop’ takes a low slung dubby route, while ‘Drive By’ ups the ante coming on in a jerky urgent way. ‘You were overloaded in your inbox today, you understand nothing in your inbox today’ belts out Colin Newman in his trademark art punk style. In total contrast ‘Lifeloops’ sees Malka Spigel take the lead in soft breathy tones, accompanied by floaty acoustics, but don’t be fooled by the everything is wonderful mood, this is a song about discontent. ‘These Days’ sparks up another shimmering pop gem packed with spangling guitar licks on a driving rhythm section, and ‘Space Life’ adds a certain skank into the melting pot. ‘All Set Up’ throws some pretty out there angular shapes, and the closing ‘Live In Your Head’ leaves you feeling that you’ve just experienced something a bit special. ‘Art Pop’ does exactly what it says on the tin. Githead get my vote again.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: DEAN THATCHER
