This Floating World - Sweet Relief (in The High Frequencies)

  by Helen Tipping

published: 18 / 11 / 2004

Label: South By So What Recordings
Format: CD

intro

Well crafted and evocative debut album from new Sheffield-based act This Floating World with "just the right touch of melancholy to do its occasionally dark songs justice"

This Floating World are based in Sheffield, and have risen from the ashes of the Justin Lewis Orchestra - Justin's first band which folded after their record company went bust, leaving them in the lurch. They have a more poppy sound than the Justin Lewis Orchestra and, Justin says, they are more accessible. The band are: Justin Lewis (vocals/piano and songwriter), Liz Hanks (electric cello), Simon Nixon Trumpet (egg on guitar), Jonny Rizzla (electric and double bass), Jim Taylor (drums) and Matt Burke (trumpet).  'Sweet Relief' is an emotional journey. It seems to track the stages of a relationship, though not necessarily in the order you might expect.  All the songs are well crafted and evocative. 'In She Says', the second track on the album, the protagonist is trying to talk someone around from leaving - has he been having an affair, is he abusive?  We don't know. All we know is that they are trapped in a cycle of hurt and apologies. 'Early Days' details the beginning of a relationship with sultry days and nights evoked by the sound of the trumpet and the dreaminess of the chaotic sweeping vocals.  'Fallen Down' has an underlying sadness, a story of mis-communication as one partner turns to drink rather than talk about problems while the other refuses to give in to the their avoidance tactics. These stories of people's lives, the things they do to get through the day to day existence are thoughtfully executed, the music melodic, with just the right touch of melancholy to do its occasionally dark songs justice.  Hopefully we'll see and hear more of them in the future. You can catch them at The Grapes in Sheffield 17 December and Sheffield Blind Centre on 21 January 2005.

Track Listing:-