Unearth

England’s Grasscut blends pop ideas with classical concepts in creating a distinctly original and sophisticated type of electro-pop. Its songs have shadings of both The Shins and The Notwist, with a cool, distant, and very British feeling that recalls the work of the great Robert Wyatt. Wyatt actually appears on the last track, “Richardson Road,” with his otherworldly, instrumental voice sounding as fine as ever as he backs Andrew Phillips—one half of Grasscut, a noted songwriter and film/TV composer—on the lovely, fragile tune. The other half of Grasscut is classically trained double bassist Marcus O’Dair. “Cut Grass” is sturdier and somewhat grand in its simplicity; slowly spooled layers of synthesizers glisten and gurgle, a drum machine competes for the rhythm with guest drummer Seb Rochford of the jazzy Polar Bear. With Phillips' glassy vocals, the tune builds to an almost unsettling brightness. Unearth is a beautiful, contemplative record, one that'll work its circling pianos and buttery strings into the hearts of those who love the glitch and handclaps of electro-pop and even dancing (just try to be still during “Pieces”).