James Cook: Arts and Sciences (CD on Suphrafon)

Band: James Cook
Label: Suphrafon
Title: Arts and Sciences

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Band:James Cook
Title:Arts and Sciences
Reviewed By:Lisa Torem
Date Published:12/01/2013

Label:Suphrafon
Format:CD
Release Year:2011
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For his Deep See Label, James Cook has self-produced solo debut, ‘Arts and Sciences’. Recorded in Berlin, it was done in conjunction with electronic mastermind Chris Corner (IAMX). Cook was previously chief songwriter and performer with electro rock act Nemo. Their multiple albums, many say, triggered the electronic scene in the UK.

In 2008, Cook left Nemo and moved to Berlin. He collaborated with violinist Anne Marie Kirby, who also contributed string arrangements to his new album. Several videos are also being promoted from ‘Arts and Sciences’, and on these you can witness Cook’s outstanding talent as a visual performer and vocalist. His voice has a droning vibrato that brings to mind David Bowie and his mannerisms are not unlike those of popular silent film stars. His exaggerated expressions and dramatic gestures add a great deal to his visual works.

But as a recording artist and songwriter he displays additional talents. The album begins with ‘The Self Machine’, on which a thrashing introduction prepares you for the kill:
“Success is an illusion with an element of progress.” His anti-establishment baiting spawns eloquent images, some delightfully unrelated to the theme, but clever and done in wild sync with the music.

‘Government Kid’ is loopy and brash. ‘Wrong Empire’ has a deeper theme. ‘End of Summer’ is completely different – a mysterious, undulating bolero that is both avant-garde and retro. “I was born on a criminal island/I was raised upon the chicken reserve.”

I’m not always sure what Cook is trying to tell us, but he is certainly entertaining.

‘Selling Ideas’ consists of irregular rhythms and more unpredictable word bytes. ‘Face to Face’ is beautifully constructed, banking on strings and a good imagination. ‘Arts and Sciences’ tells one of the best stories: “I was a child of the 80s/That’s how I started creating…” In what may actually be autobiographical, Cook elaborates on a rather colourful life.

‘Sediment in Wine’ is classy and addictive. ‘Face to Face’ has beautiful elements of classical style. The final song, ‘Circus of Our Lives’ shows, again, a completely different side of Cook. On piano, he plays a haunting and unforgettable ballad that belongs in a Broadway musical. I’m not sure which direction Cook will take in subsequent recordings, but he’s certainly taken some delightful chances on ‘Arts and Sciences’.

Track Listing:

01) The Self Machine
02) Government Kid
03) Wrong Empire
04) End Of Summer
05) Selling Ideas
06) Arts And Sciences
07) Black Market Futures
08) Sediment In Wine
09) Face To Face
10) Circus Of Our Lives

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Related Links

http://www.jamescookmusic.com/
http://www.songkick.com/artists/422048-james-cook
https://twitter.com/jamescookmusic
https://www.facebook.com/JamesCookMusic
https://www.youtube.com/user/jamescooksmusic

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Eclectic and experimental debut solo album from former Nemo front man and electronic and visual artist, James Cook

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Arts and Sciences - CD
Eclectic and experimental debut solo album from former Nemo front man and electronic and visual artist, James Cook

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