Motorifik Secret Things (Motorifik)
3/5
By: Stephen Maughan
Secret Things is the debut album from the considerable talents of Phil Kay (lyricist and producer in the underrated Working for a Nuclear Free City) and Idrisse Khelifi (a name that probably means nothing to you, but reliable sources inform me is well respected in his native France). Perhaps needing a break from their day job, this record is built up around concerns regarding sound rather than clever, poetic lyrics. Indeed, the words here feel more like an instrument, adding texture upon texture to an often overcrowded and distorted noise with pop undercurrents. It's close to the spirit of early Jesus and Mary Chain records, with a touch of the rebellion of Primal Scream thrown in.
Yet, the softer, subtler, smarter lyrics are in there somewhere. At odd moments in Secret Things, such as the two minute heartbreaker 'Nameless Colour', the noise is switched off and rainbow colours descend upon you with a subtle reminder that these two could, if they had the urge, write glorious pop songs that could make them rich beyond their wildest dreams. For a good lyricist, as Britney Spears will tell you, is hard to find.
It’s a shame then that too often Motorifik play down their lyrics by focusing so much on the mood of the music, the electronic and acoustic tendencies, the soft ballet and atmospheric sounds. If only the lyrics didn't seem like a rushed afterthought, we might be looking at a great album. Motorifik boast that many of these songs were made in one 24 hour sitting. Hmm, yes - you can tell. Jack Kerouac claimed to write his novel On The Road in one go, but history later showed he spent years revising and painstakingly rewriting it.
Despite its flaws, Secret Things is an interesting album, one that builds on textures and sounds that ripple rather pleasantly across my speakers. It verges on pop, nods to math, and even salutes stadium rock. It’s a record that is, to quote the words of a million jaded school teachers, “a good effort”.
Motorifik - Secret Things by neumagazine
Artists in this article: Motorifik
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