Temposhark - The Invisible Line

Temposhark. Exciting name, isn't it? Like Jaws on speed. Sadly, it's a bit of a misnomer: for an electronic album The Invisible Line is about as exciting as Eeyor on cornflakes. Although there's enough crisp production and interesting sounds to freshen up the dated '90s pop melodies, the choruses are almost exclusively repeated variations of the same line, acting like rapid aging machines which render the songs ancient with a quickness. Opener Don't Mess With Me, for all its aggressive string arrangements and intimidating lyrics, packs a laughable punch, and even a guest appearance from Imogen Heap on Not That Big can't save the song from interminable reiteration. The album's one saving grace is next single Blame, co-written with Killing Joke bassist Martin "Youth" Glover, where the singer's voice seems oblivious to the euphoria surrounding it, creating that unsettling sound that the songs elsewhere vainly struggle to attain. [Shaun Love]