Geoff Barrow is an accomplished producer and musician, and while Portishead's last record contains their most abstract work, Beak> has always felt like Barrow is really stretching himself to explore new sounds. It's not as accessible, but it still feels assured, and his artistic voice is clear and unique.
Spooky atmospherics whirl around Beak>'s new album, >>, but like a graveyard (haunted by the ghosts of old kosmische records) its sinister façade is only surface level. Underneath it's warm and pulsing, writhing with elements feeding on the decaying sounds and all working together to create a rich and dense sequence of experiments.
Ghostly melodies and skeletal polyrhythms buzz around each other like insects in Gaol, while Liar and Spinning Top push forward relentlessly with restless vigour. Between them hover tracks such as Ladies Mile, a strange ambient piece swimming in gooey tape warble and slowly throbbing textures.
It's dark, but not in the same way Portishead is. It doesn't wallow in melancholy or drama; it's quite playful in the way it maintains its tone. >> is also surprisingly catchy. There are no real weak spots on the album, and there are several ear wrigglers that'll keep your foot tapping. It's a contradiction; despite the murky atmosphere and woozy horror film vibe you can't deny the warmth at its core.
>> is a detailed and stimulating listen and is a great addition to Barrow's resume. He remains a curious talent and this is excellent proof that he's worth following beyond his Portishead output.
