Sheath
LFO
(Warp Records)
Reported Friday, September 26 2003
Courtesy of Jonty_Adderley @ www.skrufff.com
"I just make music, I don't really analyse it beyond that. It's got all my emotions in there and I am expressing myself, so maybe it is art, who knows? Ultimately, it's just got to entertain me. I can't make music to order."
7 years since recording his last LFO album, electronic pioneer Mark Bell is back with a new album that's entertaining, accomplished and original. Featuring 11 tracks made up variously of clicks, bleeps, harmonies and strings, Sheath reflects both Bell's sterling pedigree and continuing relevance, proving he remains one of the UK's key electronic producers.
First single Freak is the album's key statement of intent, its effortless combination of techno and electro already packing dancefloors from Nag, Nag, Nag to the End (Richie Plastikman Hawtin is just one of the many techno jocks supporting it). Electro/techno aside though, the hugely varied record also journeys through Jean Michel Jarre style ambience(Premacy and Mokeylips), Detroit style techno (Moistly and Mummy, I've Had An Accident) and industrial (Mum-man and Snot.)
During his 7 year LFO intermission (during which he wrote the album in fits and starts) Mark otherwise occupied himself producing albums for Bjork and Depeche Mode though recently admitted he's happiest making his own music.
"Doing my own thing is more rewarding as there is no compromise," he says.
"It's just me."
Sheath is out now on Warp.
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