Sky Like Static - The Logic of Complex Man

For the debut album of an unknown artist, The Logic of Complex Man is too long. Ironically, it is those moments that a tighter set would exclude - extended openings, fade-outs and endings - that give Sky Like Static moments of idiosyncrasy and charm. With more attention to these subtle details - and a trimming of his lyrics, which descend to doggerel and cliché from the opening track - Andy Watson could have balanced his affection for sweeping melody and whimsical introversion into a more effective set. Unfortunately, nearly every song outstays its welcome and the album closes with a blatant rip-off of Underworld's Born Slippy, as if announcing that inspiration has now finally fled the studio. The chugging guitars borrowed from Radiohead's anthemic rock and expansive keyboards turn subtle ideas into overwrought epics, with only the twisted dance beats of Acid Test escaping his desire to make big statements. Swathing everything in orchestration and vocal effects, the album collapses under the weight of its own ambition. [Margaret Kirk]