A Heart & Two Stars
Quartermass, 2004
rating: 4/5
reviewer: jean-pierre


If there’s one trend going unnoticed so far in this decade, it’s the reinvention of '90s alt-rockers into '00s electronic elite. Notwist were a rather straight-forward rock band in obscurity before enjoying relative success with 2002’s Neon Golden. Black Dice were a noise/hardcore band of mediocre proportions before experimenting with electronics and noise on Beaches and Canyons. And need I remind any of you about Radiohead? If A Heart & Two Stars is any indication, Music A.M. may actually find themselves with a similar pedigree.

Combining the talents of former Long Fin Killie vocalist Luke Sutherland, Volker Bertelmann from German electro-pop outfit Tontraeger, and Stefan Schneider from To Rococo Rot, Music A.M. have created one of the more truly exciting electronic pop hybrids in recent memory. The music is most akin to Neon Golden, with its crackling drum beats, melodic synths, and deadpan vocals from Sutherland. Coming from a rock-ish background may be why tracks such as "Ecstacy" and "Mascara" are so expertly crafted. The majority of the album is instrumental and made with precision and care. Tracks such as "Wonderwoman" mix traditional Fender Rhodes-esque sounds with more modern keyboards and effects on beats, offering a more personal touch that is occasionally missing in today’s electronic music. A very interesting release, indeed.

1. Blackflach
2. BigWheel
3. Route 66
4. Wonderwoman
5. Supercharger
6. Cluster
7. AirMiami
8. Dynamite
9. Skyscraper
10. Ecstacy
11. Mascara