Mombi - The Wounded Beat

This is one of those laid back, late night records that mix the intricate, intimate electronica of the likes of Celer or Fieldhead with gentle Kings of Convenience style singer songwriting. On the likes of 'Glowing Beatdown' it really hits the mark recalling Benoit Pioulard's wondrous 'Lasted' but with something in the vocal that recalls Death Cab for Cutie's Ben Gibbard or even Paddy McAlloon at his most wistful. Some of the electronic textures are utterly beautiful and at times approach Gas or Burial like glacial beauty, plus a nice use of 4/4 beats. The vocals can work superbly but at times are left to wander a little but generally with a nice use of reverb and thought behind each line they tend to rise above the often wishy washy whiny style that can accompany such records. 'Cascade Cliffs' is another winner with Talk Talk like drumming sitting beneath The Blue Nile like atmospherics. I'm reminded of a more modern take on Its Immaterial's stunningly melancholic 'Song' album which is one of those records that everyone should own.