I honestly think some people can't tell the difference between true innovation and useless technology. The other day, I read a story about a remote control-operated washing machine. The machine is no different from a regular washing machine. One still loads it and puts in the proper amount of detergent. You can just switch it on with a remote control.
Leafcutter John's new album is hyped as a natural meeting point between computerized and acoustic music. Mr. John processes acoustic sounds and field recordings and adds little electronic blips to the mix. The resulting yawn comes off as a lifeless Ben Chasny impersonation by Coldplay. Save for the electronic drones, backwards guitar lines, and electric blips at the beginning and end of "Let it Begin," I can't tell if the acoustic sounds are computer-processed or natural. While this may or may not be a feat in the field of electronic music, it certainly does not make the album any more interesting.
Bland lyrics and derivative, uninspired, British-sounding pansy boy vocals do little to help the music along. One-man-band John Burton wishes to sound like he is possessed by the deep anguish of, say, Mark Lanegan. At worst, he croons like a darker David Gray. When he finally reaches a similar sort of plateau as Lanegan on some tunes, he sounds baggage-less, like he traded the dark sentiment for an approximation.
Burton spends most of the album painting himself as a down-and-out loner living on a the edge. His lack of lyrical prowess leads the listener to believe it is simply a wish, rather than his actual character or even a persona. He spouts off poetry that Greg Dulli probably drummed up as an anguished fourth grader, such as, "Your eyes are made of snake skin/ Push me out and pull me in." The best lyrical pain he can conjure is the weak "I know you, and you are a bad dream" on "Dream II."
It's too bad Burton couldn't do more to salvage the wreck of his lyrics among the blandness, because there are some great relaxing nature sounds and instrumental passages among the wreckage. "Dream II" features a sharp downer of a guitar line that brings to mind the showdown in a western film. Many of his songs feature shimmering electronics and sharply composed avant-garde instrumental interludes. It's just too little, too late, and these passages are still about as innovative as a remote control washing machine.
1. Let It begin
2. Maria in the Forest
3. Dream I
4. Dream II
5. Dream III
6. In the morning
7. Go Back
8. Seba
9. Now