Pram
The Moving Frontier
Domino
Hard to believe, but the still relatively obscure Pram are in their seventeenth year of existence, and this their 9th proper album is a treasure box of harmonious wonderment. Having found a home on Domino records, the band founded by Rosie Cuckston has developed a sound which fits elegantly between label-mates Stereolab and Mouse on Mars. Musically, Pram are first cousins (if not actual siblings) of John McEntire's Tortoise, employing the elements of tuned percussion, tremelo guitar, lush brass and sampled sonic textures which lend a soundtrack feeling to the compositions but without falling into the realm of aimless noodling.
The stripped back compositions such as Moonminer or Salt & Sand expose Rosie Cuckston's folk-tinged voice in a bare and dry contrast to the pitched-down sample backings, sometimes unresolved and uncomfortable, sometimes hauntingly beautiful. Never seeming to make a chord shift in the obvious direction, the songs have an unpredictable edge which keeps the listener guessing. The ensemble pieces such as The Empty Quarter or Blind Tiger show what a great band they are, with the Trombone of Harry Dawes and Sam Owen's clarinet sounding particularly fine against the cascading keyboards and percussion.
I'm not suggesting that this album is perfect for all occasions - I think it requires the listener's attention and rewards a bit of time spent with it, but for those familiar with the output of Domino this should come as a well received addition to the collection.
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