Engineers - In Praise Of More

The syrupy warmth of the vocals on In Praise Of More linger long after you've digested its eight tracks. The album's organic charm provides a very wholesome way to rouse a sleepy head at the start of the day, or to lull the listener into a stupor at the other end. The songs are seductive, with fragile textures and unexpected detours, including the occasional noisy chorus. Generous helpings of reverb and delay complement the sparse arrangements nicely, not unlike some of the material by East River Pipe and Codeine.

'Twenty Paces' sets the tone beautifully, with rich harmonies, broken chords and atmospheric sounds. To an Evergreen represents a change of mood, with its pulsing introduction, strangely detached sounding vocals and menacing undercurrents undermined by a surprisingly raucous chorus. Lush strings underpin sumptuous vocals on 'There Will be Time', which features a typically arresting chord sequence.

'Press Rewind' sounds warm and fuzzy, with vocals pitched low. The weary sounding 'Las Vega' features typically surprising twists and turns, although it seems to struggle towards any resolution. 'Subtober's poise is one of the album's high points, and the track features some downtempo beats. 'What it's worth', with its nebulous undercurrents, is probably the most haunting of the tracks, and also the one with the most satisfying conclusion. 'Nach House' staggers wearily towards finality, as an atmospheric wind blows fiercely, and Mogwai-esque piano chords resound alongside chattering of distant voices.

In Praise of More is a nice way to calm things down when things are getting out of hand. Like an ode to times past, it manages to evoke memories, both real and imaginary.