Neil Arthur is in a rich vein of form at the moment, whether collaborating as one half of Fader or working on his own under the familiar Blancmange moniker. Here too though he combines with Benge, who produces, but the songs here are once again notable for their blend of industry with English romance and reserve. The stern vocal on ‘Old Friends’ is a case in point, while ‘We Are The Chemicals’ might be quite bleak with its tale of a chemical spillage, but has an attractive, restrained elegance. ‘Anna Dine’ (brilliant title!) also treats humdrum domestic issues with a layer of romance, while ‘What’s The Time’ asks all the questions in a typically witty monologue. Meanwhile the flowing piano on closing track ‘Don’t Get Me Wrong’, with a solemn intonation, wraps up the album nicely – reflective and a little dark but ultimately with optimism running through it.
Ben Hogwood
4 out of 5
BLANCMANGE – UNFURNISHED ROOMS – BLANC CHECK RECORDS
