Adem - Homesongs
by Anthony Dhanendran
published: 9 / 4 / 2004
Label:
Domino Records
Format: CD
intro
Excellent debut album from former Fridge star now-turned singer-songwriter Adem Ilhan, on which he merges acoustic music with electronica
In a past incarnation, Adem Ilhan was one third of Fridge, the experimental electronica trio of recent years. Legend has it that he and Fridge frontman Kieran Hebden decided to make electronica because then they wouldn’t have to sing, and so wouldn’t have to expose their voices on record. With Fridge on hold, Hebden is now recording as the superb Four Tet. For Adem’s debut album, he has chosen to take the mic, and it is lucky for us that he’s overcome past modesties to do so. It opens surprisingly, with plucked strings, and throughout opener ‘Statued’ there’s no hint of anything electronic , merely those strings and Adem’s voice, reminiscent of David Kitt and even Kurt Wagner. What continues to surprise and impress about 'Homesongs' are the quality of Adem’s voice and the intensity of his songwriting. Throughout the album, the bare acoustic settings are embellished with little electronic flourishes, which also serve to remind the listener that, in addition to his prowess as singer-songwriter, the man twiddles a mean knob. “I’ve been with people who sing gorgeous songs while you’re just ringing in my ear,” he sings on ‘Ringing In My Ear’. On 'Homesongs', Adem plays the part of the singer of gorgeous songs and it’s hard not to get drawn in to his world. He keeps up the pace throughout, and it’s hard to pick out any particular low points, but highlights include ‘Everything You Need’ and the sparse and haunting ‘Pillow’, which is probably the most unconventional song on the album. On ‘These Are Your Friends’ he sings: “Listen now – now’s the time to listen – there’s lessons to be learned.” He’s right. Ignore him at your peril.
Track Listing:-
1 Statued2 Ringing In My Ear
3 Gone Away
4 Cut
5 These Are Your Friends
6 Everything You Need
7 Long Drive Home
8 Pillow
9 One In A Million
10 There Will Always Be
Label Links:-
http://www.dominorecordco.com/https://www.facebook.com/DominoRecordCo
https://twitter.com/DominoRecordCo
https://www.youtube.com/user/DominoRecords
https://plus.google.com/+DominoRecords
live reviews |
|
Union Chapel, London, 25/8/2008 |
|
| In the splendid atmosphere of London's Union Chapel Anthony Dhanedran watches former Fridge member Adem play a stunning set of both original material and also eccentric covers |
digital downloads
reviews |
|
Launch Yourself (2006) |
|
| Appealingly gentle folk electronica on second single from second album from the under-rated Adem |
| Love And Other Planets (2006) |
| Ringing In My Ear (2004) |
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