ATTRITION DANTE'S KITCHEN ALBUM INVISIBLE, BIG BLUE RELEASE: JULY 20, 2004 (USA), SEPTEMBER 12, 2004 (EUROPE) REVIEW: AUGUST 19, 2004

One of the oldest electronic acts to come from the UK, Attrition were formed in the early 1980:s and have released numerous albums. Over the years a lot of people have been involved in the band but the primary member has always been a Mr. Martin Bowes. His usage of addictive analogue synthesis coupled with dynamic arrangements has made Attrition one of a handful of truly original bands to come out. His longtime partner in crime, Julia Waller has lent her rather operatic vocals to nearly every release which the band has put out. Martin's vocals range from the early and somewhat poppy style to his current baritone delivery. After a range of highly colourful albums in the 80:s, Attrition began to become a bit, shall we say, repetitive. But...
I just can't help but smile about the new Attrition album. Why, you ask? Perhaps it is because it finally sounds different. There, I said it. Ever since "The Hidden Agenda" was released back in 1992, Attrition have pretty much been making the same album- with small variations and somehow have managed to get away with it.
Maybe the last album's redundancy and lukewarm public response got through to Martin Bowes, somehow penetrating his fortress-like studio aptly named The Cage. Whatever the case, "Dante's Kitchen" is the sound of a re-born band who have come up with some prized new works. Yes, the violin still plays a big part in the sound but there is some mighty fine experimentation happening in the songs as well. Go on and listen to "The Head of Gabriel" to see what I mean. Feel the sinewy intricacies of "Two Gods" and marvel at the tightly arranged perfection which comprises the Attrition of 2004.

PETER MARKS

AD

This CD is available for a good price from