Lamb -- Fear Of Fours -- Fontana

    When Lamb's debut album was released back in 1996,certain critics were quick to sweep it under the rug with lord knows how many other faceless trip hop clones. But it's "techno meets folk" hybrid struck a chord with many listeners and songs like "cotton wool" and "Gorecki" brought the duo great acclaim. With this album, the team of Louise Rhodes (vocals) and Andy Barlow (sounds) have taken their mash up of song-smithery and sonic magic to a level which towers over their competitors like never before.
    Attempting to file the sounds on this album into a corner is impossible. Jazz melts into Latin beats which in turn fold themselves tenfold into jungle and the blues to form a crystalline sound which is unforgettable. Bridging the gap between commercial accessibility and beat driven style,Lamb have mastered the art of making complex symphonies sound simple and engaging. If the beats don't get you then Rhodes' vocals will, evoking a multitude of feelings they caress your eardrums and draw you close to weep, laugh and scream in your ear. They make you realize that these are songs you're listening to, not "tracks", or meaningless fodder for the dancefloor.
    This is a timeless album, a piece of work on par with the finest noises that artists like Bjork will ever emit, yet at the same time it takes it one step further. Essential listening material from a pair of souls who are destined for even bigger and better things.