Levinhurst - House By the Sea

by Anthony Strutt

published: 4 / 5 / 2008

Label: What Are
Format: CD

Haunting electronic-based second album from Levinhurst, the project of former Cure keyboardist Lol Tolhurst and singer Cindy Levinson

Review

'House By the Sea' is Levinhurst's second album and follows on from their 2004 debut album, 'Perfect Life'. It is a progression on from 'Perfect Life', which has an almost Goldfrapp feel to it. Now a two piece, the band consists of Lol Tolhurst, formerly of the Cure, and Cindy Levinson. 'Nobody Cares', which is moody and cinematic, opens the album. It is an electronic, but chilled out state of affairs. The vocals by Cindy recall those of Trish Keenan from Broadcast, but without the dated 1960s' vibe to it. 'Never Going to Dream Again' is eerie in tone and has elements of a horror film soundtrack, while Cindy's vocal is commanding in a crisp and clean way. 'Beautiful Lie' combines a Broadcast flow with a Bjork weirdness.'Unreality' is very short and is a quiet instrumental piece. 'I Am' is a trippy keyboard number which recalls the band Japan.'Heart and Soul' sounds like the recently reformed Yazoo, being very modern and combining this with just a hint of the past. 'Another Way' is another eerie potential soundtrack, while the vocal is narrative in tone. 'Forgiven' has a European 70s' sound. The vocals seem to float above the keyboards, which are haunting and elegant. 'House By the Sea' closes the set and, gentle in tone, is assisted by a harpsichord.