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The Monroe Transfer

Electric Old Wire Noise

Blackspot

Setting the 'old wire noise' (viola, cello, electric guitars) of the album's title against odd bursts/washes of electronics and emphatic drumming, the Monroe Transfer's music is basically uncategorisable, but draws on the rich vein of musical eccentricity and individuality mined by such bands as the Cardiacs, while demonstrating an ear for a pleasingly insinuating (occasionally melancholy-laced) yet basically straightforward tune (some are based on just three chords) that may remind some listeners of Oriole.

As anyone who witnessed their all too brief set at the Vortex recently will know, though, their music is intense, slow-building, hypnotic, even mesmerising in its effect, its relative simplicity a vital part of its appeal: there are no showy solos, no instrumental pyrotechnics of any sort; every contribution is at the service of the overall group sound, which is an utterly beguiling mix of plangent strings, flickering guitars, electronic noise and forcefully tasteful drums building to uplifting climaxes. Immediately accessible as it is, the band's music should appeal greatly to a wide listener base; their appearance at this year's London Jazz Festival is something to look forward to.