Following on from his 2010 album Animal Feelings Rafter Roberts has created an album formed largely from his transatlantic posting of music files to Simon Lord (ex Simian).
Although the production is less glitzy than Animal Feelings, as his files go back and forth for Lord to add to, Roberts has once again crafted something that is fun and gives dance music an alternative edge. Or should that be gives alternative music a dance edge.
Among our highlights is ‘Wild berries’, with its hints of soul and opener ‘Mosquito’, a quirky and surprisingly downbeat party track. Another highpoint is ‘Bottom of the bottle’, especially the vocals which make this our standout track.
But there’s a little too much filler for a whole album, showing the need for Roberts to get a good editor. ‘Knots’ is pretty bland and ‘Menuhin’ goes nowhere across its one minute 30 seconds. The R n B ‘Interior Design’ just doesn’t quite work either.
Even with Lords input Eponymous still lacks that killer track that Roberts, who is signed to the Asthmatic Kitty label, is almost capable of. Also the album gets a bit flabby in places, even if it’s good natured and a cut above the vanity project it could so easily have become.
6.5/10
by Joe Lepper
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