One of the more unlikely survivors of the electro-clash backlash, Matt Sims' second album opens with a grinding and distorted synth attack that instantly acknowledges that the campy analog bounce so hip just three years ago (and done to annoying excess on his debut,
Ultra Sex) is in fact a thing of the past. However, what's not passed is Sims' use of the past as the benchmark for his electronic style. Teaming up with legendary
Bauhaus/
Love and Rockets player and Los Angeles fixture
David J assures that Sims' credibility, as well as gothic-tinged-electro-sound is compelling, while his work with
Air/
Beck producer on lead single "Restless" is a darkwave epic ripe for 2005 dancefloors. Basslines on "No Yellow Lines," "Morning Bird Scream" and "Ergent No Ergent" recall the walking upper notes of Peter Hook or Simon Gallup, but the real find is Sims' own voice, a strong baritone that retains its ghostly croon even without the aid of a vocoder or other overt vocal effect. When he duets with Gemma Masot on the particularly gloomy "Ashes," the sexuality promised but compromised by the smirk of
Ultra Sex shows itself against a (gasp!) creeping guitar solo. Sims is still trapped in a timewarp. But at least he's found a more comfortable realm in which to occupy while we give him another shot at discovering something new. ~ Joshua Glazer