DIAGRAMS – DIAGRAMS
Diagrams is the side-project of Sam Genders, founding ex-member of British ‘folktronica’ outfit Tunng. This debut EP continues to peddle the tasteful yet inventive sounds that Tunng are renowned for. However, these five tracks see Genders trying out some of his more outlandish creative ideas. This is not to say that Diagrams is an exercise in self-indulgent rambling, though. Opening track Night All Night is as memorable and emotive as one could hope – a simple song of finger-picked guitar and multi-tracked vocals made all the more distinctive and powerful through the use of electronic effects. Antelope continues to straddle the best of both acoustic and electronic worlds, with bouncy sampled vocals playing alongside lush strings. Likewise, Hill uses a funky electronic bass groove as the template for punchy brass and sweet noodling guitar. The results recall 70s prog-pop group Supertramp, updated and expanded for 2011. Although there are odd time signatures and unusual instruments – such as the cello which graces Simon & Garfunkel sound-a-like Icebreakers – this makes each track rich and vibrant rather than overblown and decadent. Although the songwriting isn’t quite as immediate or developed as in those aforementioned groups, Diagrams succeeds as a palate for the enormous sonic potential which the music of the 21st century holds. And like all the best EPs, there isn’t a single gram of fat on the entire thing.
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