Malcom Middleton
Summer of 13
His first album for seven years and the sixth solo album from the ex-Arab Strap man, is set for release on the relaunched Nude Records. In Malcolm's songs hope and optimism have always existed (they were just well hidden) and #catchy# has always been his prime prerogative, but with the new album glimmering with heady production, this clearly shines through. Calling upon the expertise of Glasgow-based dance producer Miaoux Miaoux, the album also features guest appearances by Beta Band/The Aliens founder Gordon Anderson aka Lone Pigeon (also creator of the album#s artwork, technicolour photography and who became a 'soundboard' for Malcolm after he moved into the cottage next door). De Rosa's Martin John Henry and First Aid Kit#s Scott Simpson also add to the albums sonic swirl and sense of fun. A wonky tonk fun-land of squelching synths and sweeping strings, #Steps# is a cosmic space ride through pitch bends and vocal manipulation whilst #Information In The Voice# unexpectedly drops pop RnB hip hop. But it#s never without feeling take the romantic #You & I# or shimmering and rhapsodic #Big Black Hole# with its twinkling piano hook. Put together, there#s a neon glow of 80s new wave, alongside smoggier shades of the Chromatics or Johnny Jewel#s Glass Candy. Malcolm has always enjoyed challenging his listeners and this time around is no exception.
Tracklist
1. Steps
2. You & I
3. Information In The Voice
4. Brackets
5. Like John Lennon Said
6. Little Hurricane
7. Music Ticks
8. Summer Of '13
9. Big Black Hole
10. Lullaby