Cellarscape – Animation, Suspension (Skybaby Records)

Cellarscape is the alter ego of the multi-talented Paul Terry. He writes, sings, plays the guitar and drums and no doubt makes the tea as well in an album that effortlessly jumps between genres. It's a virtuoso solo achievement.

After releasing EPs and producing music for independent films, Animation, Suspension represents the result of almost a decade's work. Yet Terry does not try and overplay his hand. There are no showy guitar solos or excessive vocals.

Album opener 'Crawlspace' features echoey guitars, mature vocals and has the irreverent feel of a Talking Heads track. The lyrics seem amazed by how beautiful the world can be: "The skyline takes a bow and salutes, it salutes".

'Target Acquired' shifts tone as it thrashes in life with urgent drumming and maintains the momentum with a chorus that is instantly memorable. Crucially the vocal production keeps the louder backing instruments in check so as not to overwhelm the vocals. The paradoxical 'Gravity Can't Swim' features the same heavy drum beat which does not mould with the gentle nature of the song. It may have worked better as an unplugged number.

'The Creek' has a dark, gothic feel more akin to Terry's rock roots. The distorted vocals are inhuman and hellish. This contrasts with the gorgeous strung out feel of 'Patience And Zara' with its insights into the barricades built in a relationship: "Except you and your armour, where did you get it?". 'Treading Water' features a gloriously deep bass and supplements it with the album's most expressive and personal vocals.

From remarkably varied and assured openings to catchy choruses, Animation, Suspension ticks all the right boxes. Some of the song titles ('Where Vanishing Points Dissolve'; 'Minor Fractures') may be attempting to inflate their importance, but it seems harsh to criticise ambition on a debut album.

Despite containing a perhaps excessive 15 tracks, the pace of the album never dwindles and its ability to switch between songs that could have been composed by Metallica or Tears for Fears only increases its wonder.

Rating: 3/5

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Artist: Cellarscape Title: Copilot Released: 20/02/2007 Buy Now \| View Details	Artist: Cellarscape Title: Animation.. Released: 14/04/2009 Buy Now \| View Details

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20/09/2009
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Cellarscape – Animation, Suspension (Skybaby Records)
Fusing multi-layered vocals with fragile guitars Cellarscape have produced an alternative album that defies easy classification.

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Published: 20/09/2009 at 02:55
Author: Michael Shelton
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