Belgian duo True Bypass (a term that relates to the circuitry used in some effects pedals) are Chantal Acda from Sleepingdog and Craig Ward, formerly of dEUS and currently of A Clean Kitchen is a Happy Kitchen, amongst other ventures, and perhaps not surprisingly, much has been made of the pedigree of the two musicians, notably on the sticker on the album’s case. Rather less (beyond the album’s non-specific title, at least) is made, however, of the fact the lyrics are by English novelist Toby Litt.
The three-way collaboration’s resultant 8 songs are remarkable, not for their experimentalism or lack of predictability, but for their focus and poise, delicately weaving magical musical spells.
Chantal Acda’s delicate, slightly breathy vocals are perfectly suited to Litt’s lyrics, in which he proves his versatility as a writer. The poetical flourishes that are occasional features of his prose works blossom within the lines which are deft and economical, yet frequently affecting and richly evocative. Nevertheless, the delivery really draws out the relief of their emotional depth.
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It’s a magnificently organic and affecting album. The soft harmonies of ‘Hopes Up High’, which see Ward’s vocals entwine hauntingly with Acda’s and render the refrain ‘I haven’t come for anything / except to say goodbye’ beautifully moving, and the final track, ‘Would You’, built around a series of emotive and existential questions, swells to a soft climax with an inventive and nuanced blend of orchestration.
A slow-burning work of understated brilliance.
True Bypass Online
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