Lamb - What Sound

Only a few bands have successfully merged experimentalism and emotionalism—but Lamb is definitely one of them. WHAT SOUND is a further maturation in their sound, from the trip-hop leanings of their first album to the jazzy elements in FEAR OF FOURS, though you can hints of both albums here. The title track is almost a revision of their track “Gorecki,” but with glitchy elements that complement the strings and Louise Rhodes’ inimitable vocals. “One” harkens back to their trip-hop days, but is much more controlled, even introducing some distorted hiss into the proceedings. “Sweet” is more funk-oriented, and “Small” is digital blippery and delicate lyrics. But the more emotional tracks are the ones that stick. “I Cry” is a modern torch song, if I’ve ever heard one. “Heaven” is pure gossamer, and “Gabriel” is infused with so much power that it threatens to melt your speakers. The extra tracks to this U.S. release give a slightly different take, like MJ Cole’s two-step house mix of “Gabriel,” which sets the strings uneasily against the beats –- but Nellee Hooper’s version is much more respectful. The sleazy lounge-jazz of “Night Has a Thousand Eyes” hints at their second album, and “Blessing in Disguise” takes the album out on a quiet piano track. Still stunning after all these years.