This is the 12th and final official album by cult self-proclaimed "ghost rock" group Piano Magic and it comes after twenty years of making records. Thereby proving that there is indeed, more than one way to skin a cat, including being so damn arty that only the French could love it. Piano Magic have always been particularly popular on the Continent, with their combination of post-rock and ethereal electronics. Strangely, this sounds to me like quite a traditional album, or an album made of more traditional song fare and in that sense removed from what made them so great in the past. Age and nostalgia can do funny things to people, particularly musicians it would seem. Maybe the intention was to do something 'classic'?
Ten minute opener 'Closure' is the standout track. It's beautifully obtuse, "I'd rather stick a sword in my eye.....I'm moving to Alaska...but you never get closure". It is a quiet track interspersed with moments of blanket like post-rock guitar noise. 'Landline' has more E-Bow style guitar and ironic post-modern lyrics. 'Exile' is low slung and kind of groovy and is a tale of lost love.
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Thereafter the album becomes a bit imitative and wan although not without its charms until 'Attention To Life', which seems truly heartfelt to me. The sorrowful cello helps. To my ears it all sounds a little tired, but then who wouldn't be after twenty years? 'I Left You Twice, Not Once' is perhaps a cryptic message to all the hardcore fans? You never know.
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