by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Pepe Deluxé like their albums to tell a story, and Comix Sonix is certainly no exception – and extends through to the bare bones of the album’s construction, where an ‘extraordinary array of devices’ are used, each with a unique back story.

For instance, the duo (Paul Malmström and James Spectrum) plundered the ‘Instrumentarium’ collection of Bart Hopkin, not to mention sourcing instruments such as the American Airlines 747 flying coach lounge Wurlitzer, the world’s oldest known musical instrument (a 40,000 BC mammoth bone flute), a 19th-century lithophone ‘once cherished by Queen Victoria herself’, and the piano of the Hindenburg – restored with modern technology.

The credits are long and detailed, extending back to original band member DJ Slow, who brings old school hip hop to the table. Lyrical inspiration is similarly broad, taking in a wide range of cultures, and – in the band’s words – utter nonsense!

What’s the music like?

As eventful as the back story suggests it will be! In fact this is a great example where you can judge a book by its cover, for the colourful and chaotic riot of the Comix Sonix artwork is most definitely a representation of what lies beneath. The signs ‘Weird & vintage’ and ‘Trash & treasures’ are particularly revealing, for the musical inspirations for their work runs a long way.

The book of influences for this album could be large, but in all reality the duo harness their musical loves to make something original. That said, there is definitely a ring of Frank Zappa, The Avalanches and Parliament – George Clinton certainly brings his presence to the chorus of Freedom Flag. Meanwhile the melodramatic Wise Monkeys And The Devil brings opera and Sparks to the table, brilliantly virtuosic and inventive.

While there is a danger that the music might take second place to the novelty value of the stories described above, but thankfully Pepe Deluxé ensure that doesn’t happen, with a fast moving album that peaks with moments like the wistful chorus of Saddle The Wind, and the fairground beats and brass of Earth Boys Are Easy. As with a good deal of their music there is an underwater feel to the sound, felt on tracks like Sweet Baby Sun. The final Le Petit Voyage (Homo Sapiens), however, is suitably epic.

Does it all work?

Not always – there is sometimes too much going on! – but that’s Pepe Deluxé all over, and nobody could emerge from an encounter with Comix Sonix feeling short changed.

Is it recommended?

It certainly is – a lot of fun. Comix Sonix is a dizzying ride through recent pop history, from musical minds who are incredibly clever but also able to pool their resources, making a punchy record with loads of hooks to hang your musical coat on. It will certainly brighten up your summer!

For fans of… The Avalanches, The Go Team, Parliament, Mr Scruff

Listen and Buy

Published post no.2,272 – Friday 16 August 2024