EVERYTHING BUT THE GIRL
TEMPERAMENTAL
ALBUM VIRGIN RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 27, 1999 REVIEW: OCTOBER 8, 1999
Since the release of Everything But The Girl's hugely successful album
"Walking Wounded", mastermind Ben Watt has dug himself even deeper into
club music. Too deep, if you ask me. Every element of surprise has been
surgically removed, in order to give way for a slick and sedating vibe. What
once occasionally sounded fresh and exciting has turned into a bleak and
overripe mixture of house, hip hop and drum'n'bass. Not even Tracey Thorn's
soothing voice can do anything about the dull atmosphere that dominates
"Temperamental".
But at the same time it would be foolish to deny the productional
competence of Watt. He knows the rules of clubland very well and stick to
them with an impressive purposefulness. However, on his way to dance floor
perfection he forgets the melodic clarity that was the trademark of
"Walking Wounded". You just won't find a "Walking Wounded" or "Wrong" on
"Temperamental".
Moments of interest seem to appear with a little assistance from the
outside. Like the dark drum'n'bass of "Blame", where Metalheadz' J Majik
contributes with a rather mean bassline. Also, the single "Five Fathoms"
and "Lullaby of Clubland" at least vaguely reminds us what once made
Everything But The Girl unique and interesting. But today the thrill
unfortunately seems very distant.
ERIK ALMGREN