Ultraísta is the not-quite super group made up of producer Nigel Godrich, multi-instrumentalist Joey Waronker and vocalist Laura Bettinson. The self-proclaimed electro kraut-pop group have dropped their debut album to a fair bit of interest, mostly due to Godrich’s fame as the producer of artists like Radiohead and Paul McCartney. Bettinson and Waronker demonstrate that they are also more capable of filling those shoes, however, as the whole band shines with this release.
The record sets its tone right from the off, starting with the tracks Bad Insect and Gold Dayzz. Waronker’s bouncing drums kick things off in Bad Insect before a sea of buzzing synths rises around your ears and Bettinson’s wonderful voice leads you the rest of the way. Gold Dayzz follows in similar fashion, Bettinson cooing ‘gold days’ over a simple bass and drum melody as the buzzing synths move in and out of the music. Strange Formula reminds us of Godrich’s work with Radiohead before we reach one the record’s standout tracks, Our Song. A dissonant pattern of notes and beats pulls together around Bettinson’s layered vocals and yet another beautiful melody of buzzing synths. The album continues similarly over the very good Easier and the record’s first single, Smalltalk, before we reach another outstanding tune, Party Line. Lead by lumbering piano chords and Waronker’s drums, Party Line is probably the best showcase of the capabilities of Bettinson’s excellent vocals on the album. We return to the waves of warm synths as the album closes with the enjoyable Wash Over and the somewhat weaker You’re Out.
The record’s main weaknesses lie in the repeated use of the same instrumentation on almost every track. With the exception of Party Line, the songs start to feel samey after a few tracks with the exact same synth running things. Some may also be put off by the intangibility of the leading melodies in many of the songs, often hidden amongst a wall of buzzing tunes.
Ultraísta’s self-titled debut is a very good album, all in all. It’s not for everyone, especially those who are not fond of Gordrich’s previous projects, but if you have the interest and patience to get past the record’s issues, you’ll find one of the most interesting albums to have been released this year
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