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CD REVIEW: Latermuse - Misplaced EP

By: Cyrus Rhodes

"a rare find"

- INDIE MUSIC DIGEST:-

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Artist: Latermuse
EP: Misplaced

Label: Independent Artist

Website: www.latermuse.com

Genre: Earthy – Earthy Folk, Acoustic Psychedelic Rock, Alternative Rock, Celitc Choir

Sounds Like: Portishead, Nick Cave, Sparklehorse

Technical Grade: 5/10

Production/Musicianship Grade: 6/10
Commercial Value: 5/10
Overall Talent Level: 6/10
Songwriting Skills: 7/10
Performance Skill: 5/10
Best Songs: Relics, Thoughts

Weakness: Respective Musical Catalogue, Marketability, Flawed Performances

EP REVIEW:

San Francisco based musical act Latermuse releases their latest EP entitled Misplaced in 2010. The URL provides little in the way of information about the musical project so I will elect to turn over this first paragraph to what information I did find. Latermuse is an adventure into the art and music of the creator. It is every and it is nothing. Latermuse is not a brand of popcorn, nor is it a type of space heater; in fact it might just be both. Latermuse is a band, an artist, an anthropologist, and a friend. The music and art on Latermuse.com come from the depths of Latermuse. Feel free to share Latermuse.com with your friends and family and anyone else who you think might enjoy dropping by. Latermuse will be happy to know that you enjoy listening.

The EP gently takes to flight with “Laughing Mel-low” a compelling intro piece that methodically serves up gentle flowing kick drum-tambourine rhythm against mesmerizing ukulele, pulsating bass & choir-type harmonies. Track 2 “Misplaced” keeps things moving in the earthy direction with its striking vocal presence, hypnotic ukulele chops & & well placed vocal reverb effects. Track 2 is painfully simple yet eerily brilliant in its overall delivery. Track 3 “Thoughts” is an impressive groove that slowly slithers across your ears with its trippy vibe, mysterious lyrical content & amazing finale ending. This song is quite original sounding, dynamic & full of musical peaks & valleys that flows & ebbs its way through to emotional fruition. As the CD slowly unfolds I can hear many musical influences reminiscent of Nick Cave, Sparklehorse, & even Portishead. I would classify this music as psychedelic acoustic folk with brilliant flashes of earthy psychedelic ambience. I might add there are some impressive vocal harmonies & vocal accents along the way that are both well placed & effective. You will also notice many melodic soundscapes with things like low end Bass notes, Horns, Strings, Ukulele, Tamborine, Kick Drum, well placed percussive accents & choir type vocal harmonies. This overall overall approach is quite conservative, but makes it's point. The EP ends with Track 4 “Relics” the prefect finale statement for a catalogue like this. This final piece is remarkably striking to the ears with its pulsating bass grooves, well placed percussive accents, & heart felt vocals.

It’s fair to say some songs on the CD are better than others. Song for song the EP is a bit repetitive in nature. Latermuse’s voice works well within the confines of this catalogue but is nothing spectacular. His baritone is relatively monotone as he elects to play it very safe on all songs avoiding any serious risks that would indicate to me a world class vocal ability. I also noticed a few minor errors with respect to timing & vocal pitch. I also wish some of the other instruments sat higher within the mix, especially the kick drum & bass notes. I fully realize this is a subjective art form, but many of the above items do affect the EP’s overall marketability. If this review seems lopsided it merely reflects the extremes presented on Misplaced.

Misplaced 4 song EP by Latermuse is a striking & compelling musical journey. Its strong suit it’s amazing originality, song for song musical flow & overall artistic brilliance. Latermuse gets high marks for their brilliant originality, captivating lyrical content & passionate vocal delivery - nice touch. This EP will be a real joy for those listeners out there who want a conservative acoustical production to gently fill their sonic space. I recommend you just hit play, close your eyes & see where the journey takes you. Like the title says, this EP offers up a unique musical perspective & should be considered a rare find – if you can find it. Laermuse works best if you have an open mind to musical possibilities. Overall it is one of the most original & tripped out musical experiences I have encountered this year. Latermuse is an extremely dangerous composer – it would be wise to keep a watchful eye on him to see what he does next.

Cyrus Rhodes