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Telepopmusik are probably one of the lesser-known groups of the French dance music scene (well, at the moment anyway) – certainly not on the level of acts like Air and Daft Punk in terms of numbers who know them. Their rather successful first album “Genetic World”, and all manor of solo project work (including film soundtracks and solo albums) that have followed prior to this release though, may be turning the tide slowly in their favour, bringing a new generation of French electropop to the foreground… Certainly “Angel Milk” doesn’t disappoint. On the whole, this is an album that doesn’t stray too far away from it’s dreamy, down-tempo roots (sometimes even hinting back to the days of trip hop), however it certainly shows a degree of sophistication and experimentation within these downtempo confines. Highlights include “Love’s Almighty”, which constantly evolves from eastern-tinged, to classical sounding strings and finally into a 50’s style big band number – rounded off by a fantastic vocal performance by collaborator Angela McCluskey. The other regular, Mau, also turns up in inspired form for “Last Train to Wherever” – with a suitably weirded out track for this ex-Earthling member. New member Deborah Anderson also shines on “Stop Running Away” her vocals floating nicely across this dreamy track. Look out for one of the best song titles I've seen in a while too, “Hollywood on My Toothpaste” – inspired stuff! The rest of the album follows a similar downbeat style, and is generally a pleasant listen, even if over the space of the 15 tracks on offer it starts to feel a little too similar. Overall though, a good album by a talented set of musicians; maybe a bit too laidback for some – but perfect summer music for the electronic generation! MIKE WHYTE |
