Album Review

Sunset Rubdown – Random Spirit Lover

• 27th Oct 2007

Lets all try to ignore the surely Pagan goat-man on the back of this Sunset Rubdown (SR) CD sleeve shall we? This Random Spirit Lover album opens with upbeat sounds reminiscent of Tripping Daisy, but if we’re to believe the critics, that shouldn’t last for too long on what is supposed to be a confused and contradictory album. The vocal delivery doesn’t do the essential lyrical element any justice as it rambles along top speed ahead, thank goodness then for the inclusion of all lyrics within the LPs sleeve.

As the LP goes on its merry way, SR begin to echo Hidden Cameras, Mice Parade, Dirty Projectors and maybe even Grandaddy too, though the list could surely go on forever! It’s more unpredictable than it is quirky, less strong than it is stable and ultimately it’s perfectly engaging, entertaining and engrossing. You need at least 6 trillion listens in order to pinpoint each and every fleeting moment of partly unappreciated magic that the direct yet seemingly directionless musicianship and laudable lyrical intrigue holds within each calamitous composition contained herein. And there’s definitely an adjustment period to undergo, which subsides around halfway, enabling you to enjoy the ever diversifying sounds as opposed to subliminally analysing their construct. It’s a weird bag for sure but hell; I’ll take it and keep it safe with me wherever I go! Bravo SR.