Warm Human Antennae

Rusuden's second formal solo album finds him building on the strengths of his debut, Formulae, moving beyond the amiable but ultimately derivative approach of that collection. If anything it's the slight return to his original indie rock roots that helps make Warm Human Antennae more distinct. While the alliance between electronics and guitars has been cemented strongly enough over the years (Radiohead's Kid A being a high-water mark in commercial terms), there's always room for others to play around with. Starting with the excellent fusion of sounds on "Wear Away the Filter" — a gently descending guitar line suddenly hit full force with a strong and downright funky percussion break — Warm Human Antennae proves to live up to the implicit imagery title, much as Formulae did. The continuing emphasis Rusuden places on catchy melodies is now matched better than ever by the rhythms — the frenetic pace of early electro and a stronger feeling for some great basslines give songs like "Bluegrass" and (but of course) "E Therapy." There's also a greater sense of depth in the arrangements, with all the layers coming together just so — consider how the song "Voicemail" builds up throughout the song into a rich flow of melody and groove, gently exultant, or the dark, glittering flow and sparkle of "Grumble Grumble," with its hints of psychedelia and goth. "June (October Mix)" is the sole collaboration as such, with Rusuden taking both vocal and guitar samples from performing friends, resulting in a lush, almost flamenco-tinged effort shot through with a nervous edge thanks to the clipped vocals and the satisfying thwack of the core beat. Add in even more individual moments worthy of note — the post-punk guitar line and distant robot vocals in the wash of "New Religion," the near-industrial conclusion of "Breathe Smoke" — and Rusuden's definitely found something to build on even more.