Lichen Slow
Rest Lurks
★★★★
ROCK ACTION. CD/DL/LP
New project from Malcolm Middleton of Arab Strap and Joel Harries from Northampton.
When two worlds collide, the result can be mutual obliteration, but sometimes they work. As strangers, Malcolm Middleton and Joel Harries share little beyond musical versatility and a desire to collaborate. The lack of baggage works in their favour on this lavishly layered, twinkling collection where both parties contribute a little of everything, from drums to vocals. At its best, there’s an Arab Strappy throbbing electro pulse and trumpet propelling The Things We’ve Done, while the mostly Middleton-sung Preset notes, with tongue some distance from cheek, that “shit bands singing shit songs are everywhere and the people are listening as if it’s good”. The similarly cynical Sunshine Policy (Sombre Song) features a stellar turn from ethereal, intermittent backing singer Quincey May Brown, but there are hints of acceptance on the atypically serene closer, Garden Gate. Fine fare indeed: hopefully they’ll give it another go.