This is Von Spars fifth album (not counting their homage to Can) and the first since the highly acclaimed "Streetlife" album five years ago.
It has an art pop feel to it and includes some interesting guest performers. Over half the songs include the lovely falsetto of Chris A. Cummings who is now a regular contributor to their oeuvre. Laetitia Sadier sings on the kraut-pop "Extend The Song", Vivien Goldman (The Flying Lizards) sings about "Boyfriends (Dead Or Alive)" on a dub inflected track somewhat reminiscent of Blondie's "Rapture". The track stands out, in a good way.
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Bizzarely R. Stevie Moore also appears on "Falsetto Giuseppe". Once again the track is vaguely dubby and Stevie is vaguely space-cadetty. "Mont Ventoux" is a nice instrumental to finish off, all backwards guitar and proggy variation. Quite eclectic when all's said and done.
If I have a problem with the album it's that it seems a bit disjointed between the 'guests' on one hand and Christopher Cummings on the other. More of either have made more sense to me.
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