Bikes and Pyramids

The continuing influence of coolly soulful female vocals matched with electronic and dance soundscapes, a world ushered in by such bands as Portishead and Lamb, can be heard in Chandeen's 2002 release, Bikes and Pyramids. The German trio actually contains some interesting twists on what in many areas became too entrenched a formula, not least in having two singers (Antje Schulz and Stephanie Härich) rather than one, while third member Harald Lowy concentrates on guitar as much as keyboards and beats. His attractive way around smoky, post-Barry/Morricone-styled playing can easily be heard on songs like "Pink," while more conventional abilities with acoustic and electric parts are apparent throughout. In contrast, the Schulz/Härich vocal team can be a bit diaphanous at points but never unattractive, with standouts including grand turns on "Walking" and the German-language "Heute Nacht." At a couple of points some editing might be in order, with songs like "Days in Time" and "Smooth Man's Melody" straying into instrumental codas that add little to the songs as they stand, but otherwise the combination of low-key hooks and polite dabs in drum'n'bass, trip-hop, and industrial works well throughout. Even a fairly conventional number like "Apples and Oranges," with its polite VH1-ready rap, wins thanks to a killer chorus and wonderful arrangement. The assistance from other musicians often adds a beautiful elegance — check the use of Antje Buchheiser's violin on "You Love Him," which also makes use of vocoders in, for once, a subtle way. Perhaps the most enjoyable guest appearance comes courtesy of Klive and Nigel Humberstone, the twin-brother team that forms the noted electronic band In the Nursery. Their contributions on "A Silent Love, Pt. 1" again demonstrate their ear for dreamy and dramatic arrangements, combining ambient float with murmuring rhythms and subtle touches of piano and strings.