Emma Pollock - The Law of Large Numbers
Friday, January 29, 2010 at 1:20PM 
Following up her brash and brilliant Watch The Fireworks '07 solo debut, former Delgados principle Emma Pollock returns with a new March 2 album that may raise the bar even further. While some albums can't seem to find a creative center due to a lack of ideas or musicality, The Law of Large Numbers' own breathless stylistic careening is a joy to behold. Fireworks had a generous share of intelligent, spangled delights, but the complex and compelling Law lays down an even bolder, more urgent ante. "It should be about not tying up loose ends, not controlling everything and leaving room for a more immediate response," observes Pollock. "If the idea's good then it should hopefully produce a great result."
This time around any traces of a smooth art-pop veneer and moody elegance on Pollock's songs are, for the most part, pulled taut and replaced with a more brooding angular edge. Even the quieter moments have a palpable tension. On the galloping lead track "Hug the Harbour", guitars churn, drums tumble and crash and Pollock's voice has a demanding, knowing assurance as the melody twists and turns from one major mood change to another, over too soon. We love big albums with big ideas and an even bigger sense of adventure -- and The Law of Large Numbers promises to be one of those albums. Highly recommended.
Emma Pollock - "Hug The Harbour" (from the album The Law of Large Numbers)
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