halfset - dramanalog
halfset are an irish duo comprising of stephen shannon and jeff martin, together they make music that combines the warm organic real instruments such as banjo, glockenspiel, mandolin and acoustic guitars with a whole manner of subtle modern studio twists and turns. the overall feel throughout the 11 tracks of their fifth album is one of laid back chilled out vibes with the odd dash of ibizia sunset grooves, for example the beloved styled ripoff 'riversong' where one of the lads adds a vocal line that recalls the splendid bronze age fox by combining heart warming melodies and a touch of romantic drama to the simple but highly effective pop-electronica groove. the predominantly instrumental ambience may wash over the listener with little in the way of any upset or disturbance, but that isn't to say that the album isn't a welcome soundtrack to a day of headache and stress. i mean how can i resist an album where they have dedicated a song to me in the guise of 'marks tune' ? especially when the tune is a perfectly gorgeous combination of rounded off bass notes and clickety thin beats fleshed out with a really lushious synth line.
the best is however saved till the end 'laptop dancer' with its eerie vocal sample loop and chunky hip hop beat inducing all sorts of david lynch type of mental imagery before the melodica comes in and adds another level of mystery and ramping up the tension towards the end as thy begin to push the boundaries into a slightly more darker mood.
cracking stuff for anyone who likes their electroncia all nice and mellow, while still having en eye on the dancefloor groove.