Bass Clef - A Smile Is A Curve That Straightens Most Things

  by Daniel Cressey

published: 27 / 11 / 2006

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Ralph Cumbers – Mr Clef – has apparently spent the last 12 months holed up in Hackney constructing this album, his ode to the city. With its off kilter break beats and thumping bass lines it succeeds intermittently as it swings from frenetic rushing to quiet, almost introspective, wandering. Unfortunately – and in common with the modern city – the pleasurable moments are often bookended by frustration and a lack of progress. Too much of 'A Smile is a Curve...' is like trying to get home at the end of a great night out and after an hour realising you are still exactly where you started. Although Cumbers can lay down a great beat he often fails to do anything with it. Many of these tracks could have been great and have serious promise, but without any evolution they eventually end up chasing their own tales and the compelling drum riffs loose their edge. There is real potential on this album but it is raw and undeveloped Meandering though pleasant soundscapes are all very well but sometimes progress really should be made.

Track Listing:-

1 Cannot Be Straightened
2 Subwoofer Loveletter
3 Eight Zero Eight
4 Quake
5 Clapton Deep
6 Thank You For Starting Fires
7 That's All I Remember About It
8 Welcome Back To Echo Chamber
9 Basss & Drumm Make My Heart Sing
10 Opera
11 Stokes Croft 5am
12 Hilda
13 How I Desire

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