Writers Without Homes

If nothing else, London-based collective Piano Magic are to be applauded for the enthusiasm with which they have embraced the traditions of their label. Writers Without Homes is almost a parody of the stereotypical 4AD album: the luxuriantly abstract sleeve art, the utterly incomprehensible sleeve notes, the guest appearances by constituent musicians by bands unlikely ever to feature in the running order of Top of the Pops (Tram, Life Without Buildings, George, Le Volume Courbe). It's like This Mortal Coil never shuffled off.

All of which is, obviously, absolutely no problem. Writers Without Homes is a lovely album, diligently assembled by intelligent and passionate people serenely untroubled by the fact that nobody at all will buy it. The music is gloomy but lulling electronica, often evocative of Cocteau Twins (the Cocteaus' Simon Raymonde plays piano on three tracks). The vocals tend toward Leonard Cohen or Ian Curtis-ish monotones (the males) or Mary Margaret O'Hara/Jane Siberry-esque ethereal whooping (the females). It also includes, in "(Music Won't Save You From Anything But) Silence", possibly the greatest song title of all time.

Writers Without Homes is a wholly laudable act of defiant dilettantism, of the sort that only 4AD would even consider releasing. If nothing else, it should be bought to encourage more of this kind of thing. --Andrew Mueller

Label: Unknown
Studio: 4ad
Released: 2002-06-10
Format: Audio CD