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Reviewed by Bing Turkby

Carnivorous Plant Society: Phantom Finger

Reviewed by Bing Turkby

Carnivorous Plant Society: Phantom Finger

Sweeping cinematic soundscapes abound and with moods ranging from psychedelic dreaminess to upbeat Spaghetti Western, this Carnivorous Plant Society album predominantly comes across like a rockier Ennio Morricone soundtrack. But Francoise Hardy shoots for (and scores) ’60s French chic. Finn Scholes is the driving force behind this project, doing the CD artwork, writing all the material and playing mucho intrumentos, including but not limited to stirring trumpet, organ, vibraphone and tuba. Cass Basil’s bass has just the right ’60s-style plunk for this and Alex Freer’s drums are right on the money without overpowering things. Tam Scholes’ atmospheric guitar provides a twangy wash of sound that raises goosebumps. Siobhanne Thompson’s vocal la-la-las add a whimsical yet plaintive touch, and her violin dances delicately through the middle of the song Mexico. Heck, everyone’s at the top of their game on this release and it appears that they have a great live act too, with a lucha libre look to the performance. Don’t miss this jazzy film-evocative CD. 15 estrellas out of 10.