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Nobody called Arthur has anything to do with this album, which is, in fact the brainchild of Bev Stanton, a Washington DC-based home musician who displays a keen grasp of producing truly progressive techno/ambient music. Stanton's forte seems to be in setting nicely chilled groove alongside ambient sounds and sometimes atonal effects that, while slightly unexpected somehow seem logically placed to make just the right effect. The real icing on the cake, though, comes in the form of the superb vocals of Lisa Moscatiello, whose voice simply oozes sensuality and emotion, starting with the opening "Cum2nite" which is surely one of the most seductive songs you're ever likely to hear with chilled late 80s-style grooves setting just the right mood for a night in with that someone special and again on the lush and soulful "Hold Me" where the plaintive, emotional recital of the title is impossible to resist, this IS the sound of love, sex and passion and only the most cold hearted wretch could fail to be unmoved by such a voice, especially during the short closer "My Love" which is full of sadness as the line "There goes my love" will bring a sharp pang of recognition to anyone who has been in a similar position.
The aforementioned 80s seems to be an important facet of Stanton's musical heritage as it's even more pronounced on the faster "Bright Lights" especially with the Italo/house piano breaks that accompany the chorus while the chord progression of "Ashtray" brings to mind 808 State's "Pacific" and sets the scene for yet another silkily soulful offering. The occasional vocodered vocals are a nod towards more modern routines and the two styles sit together very well, which is an undoubted asset. In direct contrast "GIAWO" ups the tempo somewhat while "Alone" has a more gritty feel, partly down to some EBM-like sequencing. Throughout this album Stanton's technical mastery is never in question, however it is her ability to breathe life, heart and soul into the electronics while the album acts as testament to how truly progressive dancemusic can be this album has few equals. And another thing, if anyone ever tells you electronic music can't be sexy play them this and watch them eat every ill-chosen word!!
RATING: 9
Artist Link: http://www.arthurlovesplastic.com
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