Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: David Holmes, ‘The Holy Pictures’ 7/8/08 The master of film scores and now mobile phone commercials is on a new spiritual journey... hardly stops the Press does it? Seemingly content with being the audio of choice for Steven Soderbergh, ‘The Holy Pictures’ is a rare solo outing from Northern Irish DJ David Holmes and it is pretty much what was expected. Ten tracks of ambience, atmospherically rich, crafted musical experiences- just like a film? Well it’s about life in Belfast actually so the man himself says. The album as a whole is very hit-and-miss, for every classic rhythmic experience there are songs you didn’t even notice were playing- background music if you will. Opening track ‘I Heard Wonders’ (the first single) featuring Martin Rev is a new-wave, upbeat and classically-inspired track with a predominant keyboard melody that is both haunting and enchanting. Second track ‘Story of the Ink’ then precedes to lose this pace and introduce an edgy guitar riff, which as well as fading the album, fades interest to the listener. ‘Love Reign Over Me’ and ‘The Holy Pictures’ could perhaps be mistaken for new Primal Scream records- Holmes is clearly breaking into new territory but maybe not as much as was needed. However it is the title track which is undoubtedly the standout from this ensemble. Gritty and gruff vocals from Leo Abrahams encased over a less-than-holy guitar- the song works well and is much more memorable than a fair proportion of the album. Holmes breaks out the synthesizers in particular on ‘Melanie’ and ‘Kill Her With Kindness’- the former with much better results. Closing track ‘The Ballad of Sarah and Jack’ is a sweet, moving piano-led number which by all accounts was the inspiration for the whole album, and I’m sure his mum would have been proud. ‘The Holy Pictures’ as an album could be described positively as chill-out, well-constructed and melodic. On the downside it could easily be said that it is forgettable, bland and predictable in style. Really it is a mixture of all, but whatever you think about it, Holmes has certainly achieved his mandate of an album of experiences- whether they be in Belfast or Bethlehem. 6/10 CM Text Box: Links and affiliates Contact Me