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The Shortwave Set
Replica Sun Machine
Wall of Sound
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Article
written by Phil O
May 3, 2008.
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| The Shortwave Set - Replica Sun Machine |
This South London trio’s first record, 'The Debt Collection', was praised highly upon its release back in 2005 and amongst its fans was none other than the ever-capable renaissance man, Danger Mouse. His fondness for this Anglo-Swedish collective is such that he’s found time to lend his production talents to 'Replica Sun Machine'.
With unpredictable blasts of majestic strings punctuating waves of pleasant sample-heavy electronica, the record is certainly a lush affair. Particularly memorable is the standout polished pop of 'No Social' with its spry organ stabs and catchy, yet odd chorus of "everyone knows a dog dressed in clothes is still a dog", whilst the classy 'I Know' pushes the band’s multilayered psychedelic sounds in inspiring directions.
As if the golden touch of Danger Mouse wasn’t enough, the arrangements and orchestration have been masterminded by none other than renowned Beach Boys associate, Van Dyke Parks. To add further to the list of musical heavyweights involved, the band have also secured the input of The Velvet Underground’s John Cale, who is bizzarely credited with "atmospherics" - which, with all credit to Cale's talents, seems tantamount to The Happy Monday’s Bez being credited with "Vibes".
However, perhaps this record's Achilles Heel lies with the vocals. Singing duties are shared by Andrew Pettitt and Ulrika Bjorsne, both possessed of very formal voices which do have the effect of lending a rather dreary, detached air to proceedings.
Inevitably, with all the talents involved, the record sounds fantastic - but all the great production and arrangement in the world can’t save the fact that the whole affair is a tad hollow and emotionless. As any true aficionado of acid-fried psych will tell you, psychedelic music should never be this polite.
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