Album Review: Stuart A. Staples 'Arrhythmia'

Arrhythmia - a skipping or irregular heartbeat - is the perfect word for the skittering beats that weave through Stuart A. Staples' new album. His first solo project since 2006's Leaving Songs is a contemplative affair, imbued with characteristic melancholia.

In his own words, he had "a growing need for each song to take a turn, to lead them into strange places, keeping the feeling or effect of the song, but only as a memory." He has been largely successful, I would say.

On 'Memories Of Love', the gentle cymbals, mournful ooohhhs and milk bottle chimes are spellbinding, while on 'Step Into The Grey', the jerky rhythms accentuate the despairing narration: "However much I hurt you is everything." Elsewhere, 'Music For A Year In Small Paintings' is just that; the track was conceived as an accompaniment to a film of 365 oil paintings created by Suzanne Osborne, and evolved over several years.

In an experimental departure from my usual approach to reviewing, I endeavoured to conduct a number of domestic tasks with Arrhythmia playing in the background. The calm, meditative quality of the album was perfect for a remodelling of the kitchen; it was only on completion that I realised I'd painted the wall fixtures and fittings black.

Out Now / Samuel Steiger / Rating: 6/10