6 Modular Pieces

6 Modular Pieces
The Exeter-based electronic trio release the follow-up to 1999’s critically acclaimed debut Manual. This time around, there is greater use of samplers, squeaks and beeps, as they create ambient fairytale soundscapes anchored by revolving drone guitar and shimmering melody. The stand-out track is the intriguingly-titled “Derailleur, King Of The Mountain”, a mini-symphony complete with dripping cave water. Less arresting are James Brooks’ passionless vocals. Determinedly deadpan, they render a dreamy track like “Kinski In Helsinki” ordinary. Appliance are strongest when they keep to the reverberating loops and gleaming melodies, as in “Ex4″, the ethereal opener, and “Slow Roller”, which sounds like Joy Division meets Moby. –Lucy O’Brien

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