II

A classically trained bassist who's backed up artists as diverse as , , and is one of those musician's musicians who's made a name for himself as a backdrop. is a truly ambient musician; the most distinctive thing about him is his indistinctiveness. Which is probably why his second album, , feels so drizzly and deep blue. was apparently fascinated with movie as a child, and it shows; this is a film noir of an album, a disembodied , a piece of music that displays such a diversity of mood and genre that it feels cinematic. with its hollow-eyed drums, inquisitive vibraphones, and plodding bassline, feels like the kind of music that would accompany a crime drama, while what with its slinky Wurlitzer organ and grimy guitar licks, feels like a descent into a seedy gambling den. Indian singer makes a surprising appearance (or a dis-appearance, rather) on several tracks; the sparkling acoustic guitar meanderings of and provide the perfect camouflage for her diaphanous, wordless vocals. isn't the only one to make an appearance here -- provides the brokenhearted vocals for gives a meditative interpretation of makes a cameo on a song he co-wrote with . is a thoroughly atmospheric album, but that isn't to say that is any less potent on his sophomore effort; his influence, though subtle, is palpable throughout, as if he were a source of heat. ~ Margaret Reges