Jen Martensen Writing

What Sound is the latest precious gem of gorgeousness to birth from Louise Rhodes and Andy Barlow, the duo better known as Lamb. A musically collaborative couple since 1994, this third album from this dashing pair is sodden with more of the earnestness and intensity dished up previously by the heaping, loving spoonful on their two prior releases: their self-titled debut from 1996 and the lavish follow up, Fear Of Fours, from 1999.

Sonic contemporaries of Dead Can Dance, Massive Attack, Bjork, Esthero as well as much of the London trip-hop/drum 'n' bass scene, Lamb has been truly unique from the start in their song structures and arrangements. Louise's achingly honest, emotionally raw vocals, lyrics and melody lines clash as frequently as they meld with Andy's throbbing rhythms and bizarre syncopations. Samples blend with strings, bass lines are equally plucked, thumped and sub-woofed in an amazing array of textures and intensities, guitar lines of many styles (electric, acoustic, strummed, thrashed, ebowed) spice up the expressionist hue and cry. Their rhythmic experimentation bent was wryly summed up in the pun of their second album title: Fear Of Fours summarizes their aversion to typical, straightforward 4/4 time signatures and plain, bland arrangements.

What Sound touches on similar themes to earlier Lamb works: love, gestation and birth, omniscient observation of the glories and pain of the world, tactile revelry in all the senses, surrender to fervent emotions, ardent wallowing in the colorful, rich, savory and salty passages of time, growth, experience. These songs are well-woven tales of passionate living, of opening up the self, the soul, the heart to all the universe offers to taste and behold, and appreciating the simple presence of it all.

For the first time, Louise and Andy have solicited cohorts on their album production. The hugely talented Me'Shell NdegeOcello plays bass on "Sweet," rendering the funkiest and most intensely high-energy Lamb album track to date (many dancefloor-worthy remixes appear on various singles they've released over the course of their career). Spearhead's Michael Franti drizzles his smooth and sultry vocals across an all too faint and brief segment of "I Cry." Jimi Goodwin of The Doves lends his guitar grace to "Sweet" and "Heaven." Ambitious Lover Arto Lindsay plays guitar on "One" and "I Cry." The icing atop this wonderous jubilee of a cake is the co-production of most of the tracks by Guy Sigsworth (Bjork, Seal, Goldie, Madonna).

Overall, What Sound is more clear and upbeat than prior Lamb albums. There is far more revelation, optimism, glory and jubilation in the mood here than the more dark and esoteric earlier works. It is a steadfast, mature, grounded view of an amazing world, one that consists of infinite details and discoveries. In past years, Lamb songs dwelled more in consternation, the unknown, in being more unpleasantly overwhelmed, unsure, trepidatious and internally wrought. Now Louise and Andy give greater perspective, a stronger cry that's more awe than "awwww."

The first single from What Sound is the almost painfully beautiful "Gabriel." An homage to a soulmate, sheer submersion in the heaven of the simple existence and presence of a true love, this song is a near-perfect quotient of melody, lyrics, and pulsating (heart)beat. It is a crowning achievement for this duo who have already created so much beauty.

In addition to their sonic wonder, Lamb should also be recognized for their stunning visual sense. Album covers have always been intricate, exploratory compilations of visuals, painstakingly created to incredible detail. What Sound gives a brighter, lighter, more clean and modern design that is an apt complement to the aural content. Photos of the beautiful Louise and strikingly handsome Andy are gorgeously composed and brilliantly incorporated into the rest of the design. The Australian import version of the CD includes an enhanced section with the "Gabriel" video as well as live performances of "Cotton Wool" and "Little Things." The multimedia production should be loudly applauded. The Lamb web site rounds out the visual and familial content gifts for fans worldwide, and their email messages are amongst the most prompt, regular, complete and entertaining seen to date.

Currently available in the U.S. only via import, What Sound is a very worthwhile investment of the extra money and perseverance it may take to obtain. A domestic release date is still to be confirmed, but hopes are strong for What Sound and a stateside Lamb tour in the spring of 2002.