Minotaur Shock - Vigo Bay
[4AD]

David Edwards must get bored of his music pretty quickly. One album down and he's already changed the direction of his Minotaur Shock project. The dreamy 2000 debut 12" 'Bagatelle' was credited as being at the fore-front of establishing the "folktronica" scene, combining minimalist and cheap electronics with plucked guitars and organic sounds.

'Vigo Bay' is the first new material from Shock's forthcoming second album 'Maritime'. Gone is the naive but appealing playfulness found on his first album 'Chiff Chaffs & Willow Warblers', in favour of the turbo charged, futuristic electronic pop title track that leaves his music more approachable and immediate than ever. 'This Side Of Vigo Bay' sees a rare vocal outing from friend and fellow Bronze Age Fox member Dominic Thomas, who contributes to this kitsch 80's number, whilst 'Original Savannah' is the only track that recalls the "sketchy", lo-fi sound we heard in earlier material. Production has stepped up, composition is tighter and Minotaur sounds like he's having more fun than ever.

This is light-hearted but focused music that is far removed from the clique that was "folktronica" and the delicious artwork makes this package even more desirable - enjoy the record and decorate your walls.