Robert Fox Talking Heads Play: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi   Download: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi (Excerpt from track 'Queen of Hearts')

The opener, like most of the album, is less "full on" than Fox's early work but is still recognisable. However, Robert's style and music have matured and this is particularly evident on the magnificent 'Queen of Hearts'. Beginning slowly with subtle treatments and then an ominous, creaking metronomic rhythm Fox then reveals an achingly beautiful melancholic melody with an inspired coda. A classic. The title track changes the mood with a faster sequencer work, busier percussion, more voice samples and jazzier Vangelis- Iike keyboard phrases, perhaps the voices are a little overdone, but the track works well because Fox's dynamics and structure are so good. 'Watermusic' is more subtle, minimalist, but again with a fine keyboard motif and (sampled?) rhythm guitar effects. '460' begins with imaginative percussion treatments, swirls, washes and phased hi hat, sequencers and then expansive pads and spiritual chants, it's an effective combination, although not quite as impressive as some of the earlier tracks. 'Beth 2000' keeps up the high standard with excellent, inspired keyboard phrasings, again reminiscent of Vangelis. This one is a real grower as the melodies seep into your consciousness by the musical equivalent of osmosis. 'Back to Childhood' the seventh cut, is, not surprisingly, a little lighter, even a touch whimsical which provides an effective contrast with the final piece 'So small am I'. Subtle religious references are deployed through the use of bells and voices to augment the main strident keyboard and guitar themes. It's a fine finale, although it didn't quite "take off" as I'd hoped for.