How To Dress Well – Total Loss

In a neat, little songbird alcove

A musical zeitgeist continues with the vocally and instrumentally minimal soaring tall over elaborate production within the R&B world. In the same vein as his first outing, HTDW’s second submission meanders in a falsetto-type land once occupied by blue-eyed soul monsieur Justin Timberlake. Not to say that he’s anything like him though.

There’s a nod, instead, to the sparse electronic moulds fashioned by leftfielders not content with the straight up happenings of dubstep. Wispy, featherlike atmospheres ensue on opener ‘When I Was In Trouble’ whilst guitar-laden ‘Running Back’ swigs more noticeably from the R&B chalice. HWTD has dug himself a neat, little songbird alcove and it’s one only he can reach.

8/10

Words by ERROL ANDERSON

-
Join the Clash mailing list for up to the minute music, fashion and film news.