Broadcast - Tender Buttons

Genre electronica Publisher Warp Records External Links Warp Records

Trish Keenan and James Cargill may be the only original members left in Broadcast (Tim Felton appears on "Corporeal"), but together have still managed to make an extraordinarily dreamy, synth-pop record that ranks them among the best in their class (Goldfrapp, Fischerspooner, Ladytron) working today. Keenan's smoky, oftentimes deadpan, vocals bring to mind legendary 60s chanteuse Nico (of The Velvet Underground and...), while the swirling pastiches of new wave keyboards and glitchy drum patterns bring to mind the halcyon days of the early 80s (I keep envisioning those two women that seem to be wearing black garbage bags as clothing in that A Flock of Seagulls video for some reason or another) on their Warp Records release, Tender Buttons.

The hypnotic spell this album places the listener under is like no other this year. More than chill out music, this is the sort of album that opens up your consciousness somehow and carries you away to another universe. Keenan and Cargill's skill sets may seem simple at first, but the basic reveals more depth upon further inspection.

The album is anchored by the fine single "America's Boy," Keenan's voice floats eerily above the inter-woven keyboard parts and static snare beat. The different elements combine to make a mesmerizing three-and-a-half minutes of blissed-out listening pleasure.

With an album as thrilling and unique as Tender Buttons is, Broadcast are now among the leaders in their field.