Ever since Barry Adamson released "Moss SideStory", his soundtrack for an imaginary film at the arse end of the 1980s, his atmospheric and enticing solo work has continually impressed.
New single "Whispering Streets" - from his recent, acclaimed "King Of Nothing Hill" album - is no exception. Stylish, well-cut ad beautifully backlit, this imbibes from a heady cocktail of enigma, oozing noir-ish twists and John Barry-style twangy guitar grace thanks to Gallon Drunk mainman James Johnston's input.
It's fitting, actually, that the shadowy sleevedesign should have been concocted by a Berlin firm, as "Whispering Streets" positively bleeds an updated Cold War ambience, with a deadly storyboard full of the kind of menace Adamson's old oppo, Howard Devoto, would be proud of. The kiss off line: "5 bullets, 5 names and a contract worth 500 grand" never ceases to take your breath away.
|
The package also includes two effective remixes. The AIM remix retains the vocal, but brings the backbeat and funky clavinet into the foreground, while the Funkstorungmix gets its' hands dirty, chopping and re-shaping without destroying the crucial atmosphere.
Tingle of the week, then, to put it simply.
|
