Records on Ribs - England Without Rain [SMed79]

Records on Ribs - England Without Rain [SMed79]

England Without Rain is 37 minutes of postmodern pop perfection. Like a half-remembered heatwave, it oozes with surreal mirages and sultry pleasures, yearning for the release of a storm. Joy, sadness and frustration are embodied in shimmering guzheng, exuberant synths, thumping Kompakt beats and Fleetwood Mac guitar duels. The music simply bursts with vitality. Over the last few years artists such as Hot Chip, WhoMadeWho and Kanye West have shown what electronic pop can do. It's testament to the brilliance of England Without Rain that we can mention it alongside them. A grand statement, perhaps - but this is a grand record.