Sure, there’s a strong whiff of pretence about both the band name and album title, but we’re in new wave territory here (at least ion spirit and sensibility) and to an extent, there’s a bit of leeway to be granted. I’m not suggesting that new wave or new wave-inspired / influenced music is pretentious per se, or even that the more ‘serious’ bands who manifest new wave tendencies are necessarily pretentious – so much as observing that even the best exponents of what may be considered new wave can superficially at least appear pretentious or lofty. Is it a fine line, or simply down to the listener’s perception?
The members of In Isolation are certainly no newcomers to music-making. OK, so I’m judging by appearances here. The band only formed in 2009, but individually, if not collectively, they look too have a wealth of experience. It’s by no means a criticism, but is simply as an observation.
‘Parlance’ opens the album with a surging bass groove underpinning tripwire guitars reminiscent of early Editors, but equally hints at Mr Mister. The post-punk influenced sound carries through into the title track, an expansive dark pop piece with a distinctly 80s vibe. The serpentine ‘Not Noticing’ slides into gothy territory, but does so without sounding corny, the Eastern-tinged backing vocals adding a layer of mysticism and intrigue. ‘Elder Statesman’ layers Bunnymen-esque guitars over a chubby bass groove.
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Singer / guitarist Ryan Swift has a distinctive voice, melodic but with just enough edge to be interesting. ‘A Certain Fractal Light’ is an album that conjures a dynamic tension and trades in darker atmospheres, but is still a pop album at heart – and a good one at that.
In Isolation Online
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