Memphis Industries Vinyl & CDs

Review: Who remembers Joel Wastberg aka sir Was' 2017 LP, "Digging A Tunnel"? It was one of those albums that achieved cult status not just because of its star's unarguable talent, but its means of production. Recorded close enough to a train line to feel the locomotives shaking the studio itself, it had to be loud, daring and striking to drown out the passing carriages. "Holding On To A Dream" is an altogether quieter affair because the two years between then and now have afforded our man luxuries like a real place to refine his wares. And refine them he has. "No Giving Up" is smooth pop perfection. "The Sun Will Shine" takes us closer to soul, while "Deployed" emphasises electronics to create something closer to early-MGMT's intimate moments than MGMT seem capable of these days - Little "does-no-wrong" Dragon's guest appearance accentuating the notion that this is exquisitely crafted stuff, and far from by numbers.