Loops of Love
. And what a loping, laid-back, beat-driven marvel it is - while still retaining hints of that hokey charm (especially the blatant Kiwi accent in the vocals, which unlike Dark Tower is kept to a minimum here).
Me and You has a simmering intensity like DJ Shadow at the height of his powers;
Move Your Hips
has a Shaft-meets-
Superfly
pimp roll groove to it; and the deadpan
Recipe For A Perfect Nap
- with the lyrics "One me and one you. Take an empty afternoon and gently combine the ingredients" - is so cute and cool yet ever so slightly kooky.
It's the subtleties, such as the creepy piano on
Empty Hands
like someone sneaking along a creaky staircase, and the out of kilter instruments on Eggs From Eltham, that makes
Loops of Love
a low key yet inspired gem.
In keeping with Lloyd's DIY ethic the album package is also a beautifully makeshift affair, made of cardboard and bound together by strands of cotton. It's an excellent package and the music is the best thing about it.
Scott Kara