They do not come out with an album every year, but when it comes to the quality that the Mancunian duo of Lamb has given to us, the time it takes is all worth it. Lamb, made out of Andy Barlow and Louise Rhodes, has shown the music world that there is more to just one particular style of electronic music. In 1997, they released their self-titled debut album, which made the critics ask who in the world was Lamb. 

The debut album proved that an electronic styled filled with interweaving strings, vibraphones, horns, keyboards and linked with unique beats could work. And believe me, it worked. They followed that up with the more upbeat Fear of Fours in 1999. Yet again, the versatility of the band was evident with their change of styles and tempo.

Lamb has the ability to bring personal emotions and the relationship between the both of them into their music. This was very apparent in their second album, as the mood that was portrayed was often dark and frantic. The duo often had a turbulent friendship and at one point it proved too much with the constant bickering and arguing that it resulted in the soft breakup of the duo during their tour in Portugal. Fortunately for the fans, they kissed and made up and continue to bring us great music with the release of their latest album, What Sound.

Through What Sound, the versatility of Lamb is shown yet again. Collaborations with several different artists have given us a fresh sound that has created waves in the not-so-commercial world of music. Co-produced by Guy Sigsworth (Moloko, Madonna), What Sound sees Michael Franti from Spearhead providing vocals on the track I Cry, Tony Vega of the Scratch Perverts, Arto Lindsay, Jimi Goodwin (Doves) and Me'shell Ndegeocello featuring on this brilliant album.

This album is a far more relaxed album than Lamb's previous effort Fear 

of Fours was. Louise's powerful vocals (somewhat reminiscent of Moloko and Dot Allison) feature on all the songs except Scratch Bass where Tony Vega is lending in his turntablist skills.

There is a very audible progression to the tempo and mood of the whole album from the beginning to the middle of the album, where the tempo then starts to slow down until the end of the album. The opening track, What Sound sets the sound (such as the start of things to come) with the melodic keyboard sounds that are illuminated with chunky unconnected beats midway through the song. 

The trademark soundscapes of Lamb are very audible through the next few songs such as One, Sweet and I Cry. However, these mesmerizing soundscapes are given a boost with the addition of industrial beats especially in I Cry. Then we come to the very upbeat Scratch Bass, which displays the scratching ability of Tony Vega, which is emphasized by the electronic beats. Scratch Bass is obviously a very up-tempo track when compared to the rest, and it seems like it was deliberately recorded in the middle of the album to act as some sort of intermission. Brilliant concept.

Among the other notable tracks are Heaven, where Jimi Goodwin injects some acoustic Doves style strumming and Sweet where Me'shell Ndegeocello's trademark bass lines really kick the whole album into a different level.

The varying styles, which range from very mellow down-tempo beats to electronica to chunky and clattered big beats definitely works. It's only on one Sweet Heart, where Louise vocals seem out of place fronting the drum and bass beat. Yet again, it might have been done intentionally.

What Sound is thought to be reflective of the working relationship of our beloved duo, which appears to be calm at most times but they do go through very turbulent periods when the beats kick in. 

It might not work on a dance floor, but What Sound would work on those Sunday come down sessions or even post-party sessions. It's deep, dark and sensual. Bottom line, it works.

Track listing

1.What Sound

2.One

3.Sweet

4.I cry

5.Scratch Bass

6.Heaven

7.Small

8.Written

9.Gabriel

10.Sweetheart

11.Just Is

>>lamb

>>JunkMedia review

>>Rolling Stone bio

>back