Staff Reviews

Puzzle Muteson, Theatrics (Bedroom Community), Sept. 29

Review by Alexander Tudor

On a label where Gorecki, Penderecki, Ligeti, Boulez, Glass, and Reich are reference points, Muteson is that unlikely thing - a piano balladeer with crossover potential - but also surprisingly true to its ethos.»

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'Theatrics' is partly produced by reknown producer Valgeir Sigursson (Bjork, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, CocoRosie, Feist) and features composer and critic favourite Nico Muhly, both of whom are Puzzle Muteson's label-mates on the prestigious Bedroom Community label. It also features composer and graphic designer Machinefabriek. Puzzle Muteson is the alter ego of an enigmatic songwriter from the Isle of Wight, rendering his music in a tremulous tenor over a finely spun web of fingerpicked guitar. Born in London, the southern English island provided unexpected shelter for the shuddering transformation into one-man band Puzzle Muteson. His grade-school music teacher was first to recognise his unrivalled vibrato, and a little while later a parade of chance and coincidence led him to inhabit Puzzle Muteson, and start shaping a body of songs.
'Theatrics' picks up where Puzzle Muteson's debut, 'En Garde' (2011, Bedroom Community), left off; the eleven tracks telling an intriguing story with every minute that passes; his talent for heartwrenching melodies and melancholic lyrics shining through like never before. Where En Garde introduced dream-like strings, Theatrics intertwines melody with mechanism; the album is as much a folk song fairytale as it is an exploration of electronic wonders. Some songs have just been born, some have slowly but surely reached their peak through years of delicate edits. And then there is the unique take on New Order's classic 1987 song 'True Faith', where Puzzle Muteson breathes new life into this 1987 gem, undeniably making it his own with his trembling voice. 'Theatrics' features a many musicians at the height of their craft, including labelmates Nico Muhly and Valgeir Sigursson, the latter of which co- produced the album with Bo Weaver.
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