Chapter – III (A Collection of Monsters)

A Collection of Monsters is a compelling record that excites and frustrates in equal measure. The songs - fusing elements of folk, electronica and chamber-pop – almost sound like they’ve been written with production techniques in mind so the end result is gripping and coherent but sometimes to the detriment of the actual song-craft. However there are moments where the musical qualities match the sonic proficiency nicely, the intimate My Sweet Girl, and the buoyant pop of The Young Ones are both gorgeous in their differing ways, and closer The Kraken is a lush and sparkling waltz. For a band that foster such an inventive sound strangely at points you’d be forgiven for thinking someone switched the discs, so much so does What Am I To Do Now? evoke the drawl of Bill Callahan, and Candle Of Black Hope bring to mind the bluesy characteristic of Beck. Nevertheless an admirable and well executed record. [Alan Souter]