Telepopmusik - Angel Milk

When it comes to the best in varied electronica you can always rely on the French to come up trumps. Air, Daft Punk, and even MC Solaar's electronica influenced hip-hop, have all had international success. Telepopmusik may not be a household name yet like the aforementioned acts, but the music is still brilliant like on new album "Angel Milk". A wacky cover on the CD of a man or a woman in a panda outfit playing a toy trumpet if typical of the mystique of this band, What we do know however is that Telepopmusik have made another wonderfully diverse album featuring many guest collaborators.

"Into Everything" features the feline-esque vocals of Deborah Anderson over a ambient dreamy floaty base. It has the minimal feel of Lamb and occasionally you can sense the faintest hint of a Dubstar influence. The strings are used sparingly and the many synth styles and flourishes are unusual and surprising. Despite the typical chill out vibe of the track there's an ending which takes you unawares. Just when you think it's over an acoustic crescendo creeps in evoking an even calmer mood.

"Last Train To Wherever" is full of eastern promise and indian instrumentation. Mau's rap is quiet and unassuming, more De La Soul than 50 Cent. There are flutes, bursts of squelchy synths and a sensation of mellow, delicate calmness which isn't easy to achieve. "I Owe You This and Nothing Else" Mau informs us as infrequent instances of techo add to the wonder of it all.

"Nothing's Burning" has an unmistakable Amy Whinehouse meets Billie Holiday vocal delivery from Angela McClusky. It's jazzy and creates a feeling of a late night, smoky club performance. The cinematic score puts the listener in mind of Portishead and the sense of high drama and emotion is in the same league as Goldfrapp's debut album "Felt Mountain".

"Hollywood On My Toothpaste" is rhythmic with the beats brought to the fore and the introduction of electric guitar. Some of the lyrical imagery owes a little to Alice In Wonderland with the enigmatic admission "So this is obsession, you're keeping me guessing". This track has more of a live, less structured feel than the rest of the album, displaying a flair for traditional instruments as well as modern technology.

For music with heart and soul "Angel Milk" shows that electronic music can have a very human side plus some of the most outstanding songs on one album

Nicholas Paul Godkin

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