Piano Magic - 'Writers Without Homes' (4AD)
3/5
By: Toby L
Piano Magic originally released their first record in 1996 and have since recorded for over fifteen different labels, with over thirty members having been a part of the ranks at some point in the band's live-span.
Thus, bearing in mind the above, you'd expect something a little big, wouldn't you, for their second album on 4AD, 'Writers Without Homes'? Expectedly, that's what you receive - albeit amidst a plethora of bizarre quiet moments, such as the opener and well-titled '(Music Won't Save You From Anything But) Silence', as well as the other sheer downbeat melodrama on offer that occasionally proves a chore to sit through.
But, of the highlights, when this record gets good, it is not only graceful, touching and completely random, but also eloquent and haunting in the most musically-enchanting format one could anticipate this side of Mercury Rev. Rich in a diversity which means that PM are able to blend the likes of Czars' voice, John Grant and his grand US croon to 'The Season Is Long', amidst the landscape of piano created by formed Cocteau-Twin, Simon Raymonde, the record also possesses further guests that evoke a separate, unique spirit to every collaborated track - such as the chilling 'Already Ghosts', with a vocal-appearance from Paul Anderson of Brit melancholy-merchants, Tram.
As a whole, it forms a, by on large, involving listen, yet one which would be benefited if provided with slightly more coherence in its structure. Therefore then, listen without prejudice - and be prepared for a bumpy road through the often bleak soul of humanity.
Artists in this article: Piano Magic
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