Neil Hannon got a synth for Christmas and he’s enjoying his new toy on this electro-tinged latest offering…although probably a bit more than the listener is on track ‘The Synthesiser Service Centre Super Summer Sale’, which almost sounds like a Kraftwerk skit by Flight of the Conchords.
Elsewhere the electronics are reined in, typically manifesting as a fat synth bass set to funky Blaxploitation jams and dance floor disco – not things typically associated with The Divine Comedy, but a welcome addition to their oeuvre.
You’ll also find orchestral arrangements more characteristic of Hannon, the master of melody and wordplay delivering his observational vignettes with a sense of theatre, raised eyebrow and knowing wink.
With plenty to digest, there’s no lack of ideas, if maybe a lack of focus. Stripping this back to a leaner, focussed synth set might have injected a bit more punch. That said, ‘Office Politics’ finds the underrated genius as acerbic and creatively inspired as ever.
7/10
Words: Felix Rowe
Dig it? Dig deeper: Ben Folds, Stornoway, Belle and Sebastian
– – –
– – –
Join us on Vero, as we get under the skin of global cultural happenings. Follow Clash Magazine as we skip merrily between clubs, concerts, interviews and photo shoots. Get backstage sneak peeks and a true view into our world as the fun and games unfold.
