Hintermass - Study Series 05: The Open Songbook

This, I believe, is the debut release from Hintermass, who comprise Tim Felton of Seeland on singy sings and Jon Brooks of The Advisory Circle on proddy prods, bum bu bums and bangy bangs. On first listen 'Are You Watching' is striking me as probably the most unashamedly poppy and straightforwardly songy thing I've heard on the label. Of course it's totally got that Ghost Box flavour, that slightly sinister, melancholy, 70s public information, brown wallpaper, brown trousers, brown jumpers and brown EVERYTHING feel that everyone loves.. Mostly given to it by the instantly recognisable Advisory Circle synth melodies. A sweet little ditty for sure. On 'So It Shall Be', a piano-led ballad which starts sparse and gradually tickles the structure with more and more elements the longer it goes on, Tim Felton goes pure Gruff Rhys with his vocals in a way which I didn't really notice on the other side. They seem to have a good thing going and it's really nice to hear something just a little bit different from the label.. Different without losing the aesthetic which is so important to them.