The long awaited follow up to UNKLE’s “Psyence Fiction” has finally come out in the U.S. even after almost a year wait from the import. Mo'Wax founder James Lavelle returns with a fresh UNKLE effort. This time with the absence of beat master, DJ Shadow. Which was a key ingredient in 1998’s “Psyence Fiction.” In this effort Lavelle introduces his new band mate Richard File were together they take a turn away from hip-hop and rock, and delves into the unconscious for an electronica meets 4AD ethereal approach. File’s influence in UNKLE brings fourth a more dreamy, down-tempo and atmospheric approach to this political apocalyptic album. This time around UNKLE recruited new guests Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, vocalist Ian Brown of The Stone Roses, Massive Attack's 3D, Brian Eno, and Jarvis Cocker.
The album opens with a sample entitled “Back & Forth,” where narrator Robert Alan Weiser exclaims, “This is Life it’s changes this is what you have to go through your whole life. Never, Never Land,” backed with a haunted keyboard melody in the distance. The voice has a striking resemblance to Joe Pantoliano (Memento, Sapranos, Matrix.) The complex pensive political “Eye for An Eye” in a tough track with lush strings, fly beats and samples of The Temptations “Ball of Confusion.” This track reminds me as if UNKLE covered Pink Floyd “Dark Side of the Moon.” It has very danceable and catchy melodies, but juxtaposed with dark foreboding string arrangements of the London Orchestra. “In A State,” intro sounds as if it would have a better home on Dario Argento’s Suspiria soundtrack. After were shrilled into submission, a groovy hypnotic jam comes through featuring the dreamy vocals of Richard File. “Safe In Mind” a savage bass driven track features Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age. “Panic Attack,” features a high profile Joy Division sample orchestrated into a very danceable track, which slows down, ending with a barrage of angels singing. The lurking beat of “Invasion.” brings to mind 4AD’s Clan of Xymox bass sound brought to us my Massive Attacks 3D in which he seems to take a stab at Bush.
The airy and string filled “Reign” features the Stone Roses Ian Brown on the microphone and is backed by lush arrangements with a intricate hypnotic beats. The melancholy folk guitar driven “Glow” features Joel Cadbury of South, and floats along through a drum less backdrop. The beautiful and mesmerizing waltz “Inside,” sounds as if it would blend flawlessly on a This Mortal Coil album. The album ends with a sleepy song is “Awake the Unkind.”
If you expected “Never Never Land,” to be a follow up to “Psyence Fiction” you will be heavily disappointed. Despite its missing all-star cast of Thom Yorke, DJ Shadow, Mike D, Richard Ashcroft (The Verve), and Badly Drawn Boy, “Never Never Land” still comes across as a great album. From the abrasive opening political track “Eye for An Eye” to the albums sleepy closing “Awake the Unkind,” it’s a journey through the unconsciousness. It’s a fun ride, though you might need to relocate to the couch or the bed to ensure a proper listen. |