Another energy-filled album from Warm Digits. On Flight of Ideas Warm Digits “make a call to arms: when we all think our ideas are right, what are the costs of never believing you could be wrong?” And so the exploration begins, with the duo plus a selection of guest vocalists stepping back in time and pondering over a quirky selection of 70s psychological experiments.
What gives Flight of Ideas a real edge is this mix of guest vocalists who add their own individual touch to a selection of the tracks. The Orielles’ Esme Hand Halford adds her distinctive voice to the uplifting, compelling Shake the Wheels Off, her vocals floating icily above the popping background. The Lovely Eggs’ Holly Ross delivers post-punk retro swagger to create a defiant energy on Feel the Panic. The most fascinating contribution is from Emma Pollock (ex The Delgados) who pops up on The View from Nowhere: this rather more psychedelic-leaning number adds a different dimension to the album; the song suits her warm, swooping vocals although I would have liked the electronic clatter dialled down a tad in order to become more immersed (Pollock fans may be interested that she guest vocalled on a track by One Day, After School, link here).
The shortest track on the album, the instrumental I’m OK, You’re OK slips at the midway point – it’s a beautiful multi-textural journey with a feel of Baltic Fleet or Vessels and I find myself wishing this was a far longer experience.
Check out the album details here
Track listing:
Frames and Cages
Feel The Panic (feat The Lovely Eggs)
The View from Nowhere (feat Emma Pollock)
I’m OK, You’re OK
Fools Tomorrow (feat Paul Smith)
Replication
Shake the Wheels Off (feat The Orielles)
Everyone Nervous (feat Rozi Plain)
False Positive
Flight of Ideas
Main photo: Warm Digits at Bluedot festival 2018