Play 90 second soundbite of 'Plaything' @ 'CD quality'
Supported by deep and booming synths interspersed by all manner of keyed 'noises' and trippy riffs and fronted by sensual voices, Shmoo plunder the depths of dance floor vibes with 'Plaything'. It's here that Shmoo really excel as Goldfrapp collides with William Orbit and nestles down comfortably with Portishead and Daft Punk. It's an impressive array of punchy rhythms interlaced with silky, sexy vocals that works pretty well. 'Plaything' flows along smoothly and effortlessly as it unfolds with total precision and smoochy charm.
Initially, 'She Machine' takes the listener on a sci-fi journey of digitally altered voices straight out of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop tutorial (if there really is such a thing!) before vocalist Rowena brings us back to earth once more with her trance inducing voice. 'She Machine', for me, is just too 'digital'; although it works it relies too much on fx and doesn't really seem to go anywhere that I've not been before. Ok, it's a worthy second 'A' side that'll no doubt do well on the dance circuit but it leaves me a little cold.
Shmoo have all the required elements for their chosen genre but it's Rowena that really makes them a force to be reckoned with. It's her great voice that will make a difference. Musically, although there's nothing inherently wrong, Shmoo leave me a little bemused as I can't find anything that'll push them forward quickly enough. Their electronic dance vibes are great for the club scene but they lack the killer punch commercially.
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