Sunday, 14 September 2008

Review - Sleepingdog - Polar Life

Sleepingdog - Polar Life

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8 out of 10

Different types of music serve different occasions. For example, I like to listen to Kid Dynamite in the gym, Bruce Springsteen in the car and Breach when I'm using Flash. I hate Flash, but I like Breach. I don't think I'm doing Sleepingdog a disservice if I suggest that this is perfect music for listening to in bed, as you go to sleep.

That's not to suggest that this is in any way boring, or likely to send you to sleep, although there is a hint of the lullaby about some of the songs. It's more that music like this is best allowed to wash over you in gentle, soothing waves, caressing your ears with soft aural sensations. Listening to it on the bus or in the office would completely defeat the point, even if you have some of those magic noise-cancelling headphones. Your mind should be empty of all distractions, and I think that twilight sensation of half sleep is the perfect time. Or in the bath, that might work too.

You'll probably have gathered that this is very gentle, quiet music. Some music is quiet, no matter how loud you turn it up. Quiet is the new loud. Possibly. Anyway, there's an almost complete lack of any percussion, as minimal acoustic soundscapes swirl around Chantal Acda's quavering, vulnerable voice. There are suggestions of Mazzy Star, Stina Nordenstam and even Bjork at her very, very quietest. There's even a banjo on one song. Awesome.

Listen: www.myspace.com/sleepingdog

Tracklist:
1. Prophets
2. Your Eyes
3. Polar Life
4. The Sun Sinks in the Sea
5. Sunshine Daylight
6. When it Lies
7. Alleys
8. Little Ones
9. Ardennes
10. If Only (Sophia)

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