Rainbow Arabia ‘FM Sushi’

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Rainbow Arabia / FM Sushi

CD / Digital 

Kompakt / Released April 2013

 

The second album from one of our favourite synth acts on the circuit arrives with less of a bang than their first. But, thankfully, this approach ensures LP number two is actually a decidedly more accomplished affair overall.

We could even go one further, and say FM Sushi is probably the best electro-pop record anyone will have heard since Goldfrapp’s Black Cherry. The combination of accomplished instrumental arrangements- aware of the golden songwriting format whilst never scared to deviate from the routes listeners are tricked into expecting- and Tiffany Preston’s truly mesmerising vocal delivery elevates the duo (comprising her and husband Danny) to the status of greats in terms of musical pedigree.

If it’s a pastiche then props for bettering many of the sounds that inspired this re-appraisal. He Is Sorcerer could be the last great Number One of the mid-1980s you never heard, not that there’s anything particularly dated about the way it grooves and throbs from upbeat verse into anthemic chorus. And the following track Math Quiz, despite our predisposition to hate American grammar, is fantastic, boasting all the sombre atmosphere and hallucinatory qualities one would expect from sexy, dark disco made in the genre’s real heyday, whilst remaining firmly rooted in the here and now. Real style never grows old, as they say.

It’s probably possible to wax lyrical all day about the potential this pair of Los Angelino spouses have, and understandably our ears and eyes are already peeled for news of either a forthcoming UK tour, or (less likely) an immediate return to the studio so we can relish in more of their creations. In truth, though, continuing to gush will serve very little purpose other than taking up more of your time than we already have done. The point has been made. From intergalactic anti-ballads like Moments I Had, to the euphoric sax and acidic accents of Thai Iced Tea, there are layers in spades with which to immerse yourself. So, although there’s no Without You style obvious universal smash (arguably Rainbow Arabia’s finest track to date, and certainly the stand out moment from their first long player), the entire package is wholly deserving of an equally celebratory reaction. Fine work indeed.


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