Adem - Homesongs

  by Anthony Dhanendran

published: 9 / 4 / 2004

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Review

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 Statued
2 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

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