What Sound

Lamb has been known to bounce all over the spectrum of electro-anthems, sometimes introducing the soothing sensations of a melodically calming voice into a fray that was previously lorded over by maddening beats and sometimes taking something beautiful and crafting a lovely rendition of madness around it. This seems to be one of their multiple talents; to take strange components and to make beauty out of them. Still, compared to the previous releases by the band, "What Sound" is something of a tame homage to the spectacles of the past. This isn't to say that it is bad in any way because that is far from the case, it is just that this calmer, less chaotic adaptation of ethereally haunting sounds came as somewhat of a surprise. Worse still, it came as a surprise that many people missed. The series Six Feet Under, aired on HBO, actually brought this album to light somewhat by adding the hauntingly surreal track "heaven" into their list of songs. Before then, many of Lamb's US audience weren't aware that Fear of Fours had been supplanted by something newer. This was a sad affair, too, because the album is actually a nice progression in the evolution of a talented duo.Some of the songs here are haunting in their own rights and some are simply flavors that I have to be in the mood for, making it a difficult album for me to work all the way through in one setting. Still, I can't leave the album alone because there are so many pieces showcased herein that are wonderful works of art, done with almost surreal vocals and sometimes surprisingly soothing instrumentation. This is especially true of "Heaven," which seems almost spectral in its haunting mix of vocals and sounds, and in the love song to her angel, "Gabriel." Others take different approaches and achieve the same ends, like the bizarre inclusion of "I cry," for instance, which is something somber that is placed to an oddly achieved minimalist beat, or both "Sweetheart" and "Small," which use a strange array of incorporated sounds to forge oddly catchy beats. This isn't to say that the album is without accelerated tempos either, because "scratch Bass" moves along nicely and even "Sweet" does so to a lesser extend. Still, if you're expecting the same versions of Lamb you've seen before, this is something using a different approach. - Also included with the re-release is a second album filled with remixes, something I won't cover because, well, they are simply old songs with new masks to wear.Its hard to recommend this to fans of Lamb, because some people simply do not seem to like it. I'm not certain why, exactly, because the album still has most of the major components that the other albums had within them. I personally find it highly enjoyable and liked "Lamb" and "Fear of Fours" as well, but would tell anyone thinking of purchasing it to reset their mindset first. Then, you will find something that is enjoyable on another in ways you liked and new ways as well.

The Lamb sound. One of the early pioneers of experimental trip-hop and drum-n-bass has returned with a top-notch album What Sound. While many wait for the impending US release, the world has been treated to an aural feast featuring 11 excellent tracks.For starters, the first single is a haunting trip-hop ballad Gabriel that will inevitably send shivers down anyone's spine. Coupled with great remixes from Harlem Venna, Hefner and Bags 5.1, it truly deserves a good listen.As with their past efforts, Lou's vocals work quite nicely with Andy even sometimes they may seem like some kinda opposition. But the resulting effects is still great especially the unique vocals of Lou and their songwriting artistry.Hope this gets a US release soon.

When Lamb released their much anticipated album What Sound internationally at the end of 2001, I was waiting with abted breathe that they will get some airing in the States like their 1st 2 albums, but there was no such luck with the typically poor performance of these non-mainstream bands. Polygram did not release this. It was a disappointment that such a great piece of music was let to waste.Well at least some record company has finally picked this up to release. Better late than never I suppose. The album is truly an extension of their excellent 1999 album Fear of Fours. Here, Loiuse Rhodes sing with hanuting chill on the first single Gabriel which also comes with a slew of delicious remixes. Second single Sweet is riveting in its original form and made even more upbeat and energetic in the remixed single version. What I like best on this album is the title track, One and Written, the latter with trademarks of producer extraordinarie Guy Sigsworth (who has worked with Bjork, Manadalay, Madonna & Imogen Heap).The album alternates between electronica and drum and bass with intercepting trip hop. To sweeten the deal, Koch Records included the videos for the singles Gabriel and Sweet which would otherwise not be seen anywhere in the US. (this is what record companies should do by putting CD/DVD combos to win back consumers!) There are also 4 remixed tracks here and I shan't say more than what the other reviewers had said.

This is a great disc. I got it for my husband as a gift and he was very happy with it. The bonus DVD was a nice surprise for him.

Have finally completed my collection - I now own every CD (available in US) that Lamb has recorded. I love music and have a vast collection of many many artists - but Lamb is one of those bands for me that really moves me - I can hear between the music - brillant!!

I had no idea Lamb existed or that I would like their music so much until I heard What Sound on a net radio station. That song alone compelled me to buy the CD and I'm happy to say it was worth every penny.

Love this group!

Only the one song I bought the cd for ("Small") and the title track are really worth playing over and over. The five variations on two of the songs get tiresome. I haven't bought a whole cd in years, and now I remember why.

Lamb are so unique and beautiful that I don't think they can be matched. For me everything they touch turns to gold and their sound is stamped in music history as being an expression of the greatest underground British music. Very rarely do two people come along who have such other worldly sounds with true meaning. Her voice and his production is simply outstanding and whether they throw down a moving chilled number or a slightly more erratic breakbeat up tempo tune they all have the unmistakable quality of Lamb. It's what you come to expect from them. This is one of my favourite albums but honestly I love all of their work. You can be the judge!

This is my fave Lamb CD - varied & not too drum & bass. If you like to get down to some serious bass then "Scratch bass" should not disappoint. The song "Small" has a child-like power that lingers long afterwards. Gabriel is probably many people's favourite track from this collection.If you like Tricky, Massive Attack, Portishead, Moloko or Lemon Jelly, Lamb will be potential addition. Sound quality is good.

Another thought provoking album

Album risalente al 2001 ma privo di segni del tempo.Tracce dolenti e di sicuro impatto emotivo.La voce ispirata di Louise Rhodes trova il suo apice nell’hit Gabriel.La terza prova del duo è un piccolo capolavoro del trip-hop che, facendo occhiolino all’ambient, vedela partecipazione anche di Michael Franti degli Spearehead e di Arto Lindsay.

Che sound i Lamb! Li avevo notati per via della copertina che mi aveva colpito, e diversi amici me ne avevano parlato, ma quando ho messo su il cd ho scoperto un duo veramente eccezionale!