PHILIP SELWAY: Strange Dance (ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Philip Selway is the drummer of Radiohead, a band that has revolutionized British and world music along the way. The band made a major impact both musically (many bands still draw inspiration from Radiohead today) and in the way they freely distributed their music, breaking away from the dictates of record labels, giving them a rare creative freedom. And to maintain this desire to play together, the members of the group have managed to break away from it to propose a variety of individual projects, thus lessening the weight of group life and making it easier for them to get back together.

While Tom Yorke's work is a little better known, Philip Selway's is more confidential, without being any less worthy of interest than that of the illustrious interpreter of 'Karma Police'. Radiohead often use big guitars in their compositions, but here it's more Mark Hollis who we should be looking to for a possible reference. "Strange Dance" is strangely reminiscent of that certain delicacy conveyed by the late Talk Talk creator.

Here, every track appears poised, ethereal and ethereal. The piano, strings and percussion have a cottony, almost spiritual softness ('Little Things') that gives a feeling of serenity, while the chiselled arrangements add a special grain to the sound research. Occasionally, the horns come in unexpectedly to tickle your eardrums, but always without violence. Hypnotic rhythms ('What Keeps You Awake At Night') and almost whispered vocals sometimes flirt with contemplation and introspection. The melodies are prominent throughout the album, particularly on the beautiful song 'Check For Signs Of Life', where the violins are prominent without being overpowering. The drummer, who has deliberately put aside his drumsticks on this new album to concentrate on the vocal lines, delivers a near-perfect score, using a voice that is sometimes veiled or more melodious.

This calm is only apparent, as Philip Selway sprinkles his album with accessible pop and pretty melodies ('Picking Up Pieces') that hark back to the irresistible English science of this style. Sometimes, too, the surprise comes from the original percussion ('Strange Dance'), reminiscent of that used by Gazpacho, bringing a welcome art-rock touch to the album.

"Strange Dance" is a pleasant surprise. It's a diaphanous beauty, imbued with a lovely fragility and classy arrangements, both simple and experimental (in the sound layers - headphones recommended). - Official website

PHILIP SELWAY

STRANGE DANCE

AUTRE LABEL

ROCK