‘Shimmer And Disappear’ gives the plot away early on. Like a cosmic carnival of the weird and wonderful, Pram slip into gear for the first time in a decade. It’s a jolly fairground sound that hints at jazz, but only in a way Tom Waits would adopt. Pram are much more than that, and broadly thinking are an experimental collective which has allowed them to release seven quite unique and disparate albums before this one.
Having links with Stereolab, Aphex Twin, and even Mohammed Rafi, the band members are known for their remix skills, and various other projects have littered their long hiatus. Now, Across The Meridian showcases their interest in the sounds of exotica, ‘30s jazz, and quite left-of-centre experimentation.
The fluid lineup has resulted in a dog’s breakfast of an identity, yet without any discernible detriment. For example ‘Thistledown’ bears the sinister vocals of Rosie Cuckston while other songs are breezy instrumentals. Pram aren’t a band who are afraid of tackling the unexpected and sublime.
While similar voices to Cuckston’s can be heard throughout the album, it’s the jack-in-the-box like ‘Ladder To The Moon’ that elevates the listener with its almost classical whimsy and wit. Enchanting.
7
