Yahoo! Music Album Review

Released on 07/04/08
Label: My Dad Recordings

An artist's genius often goes hand-in-hand with varying degrees of madness and/or mental instability. Just look at Daniel Johnston and Brian Wilson. And so it is with Jim Noir. But unlike those two American greats, who were often a danger to themselves, Mancunian Noir (real name Alan Roberts) is just, well, a wee bit bonkers. Tapping into the same vein as New York's Jeffrey Lewis and his splendid blend of lo-fi indie quirkiness, Noir has shown himself to be benevolently witty as a lyricist, whilst also being the master of sparse-sounding, budget recordings.

For proof one need look no further than his tongue-in-cheek debut album "Tower of Love", which was recorded in the humble surroundings of his parent's home and not in the pomp and splendour of a proper studio. With his self-titled second album, Noir further develops his lower than lo-fi indie credentials but is also triumphant in keeping a semblance of pop and frivolity to make this offering an unpretentious and thoroughly enjoyable one.

Homage to Wilson and the rest of the Beach Boys is obvious throughout the record, especially on track "Happy Day Today". If Californian sunshine had a voice it would sound like this. Pretty good going for a kid who grew up in the grey environs of Manchester. Noir's trademark high-pitch vocals, sweeter than honey harmonies and electronic glitches, coupled with some subtle sting-work, make this track an epic. Comparisons to the vocal virtuosity of the Beach Boys is no superfluous matter either. One need only listen to the warmth in Noir's voice to realise he's a true heir to the Wilson clan.

But "Jim Noir" still possesses the same wit, good humour and general eccentricity that could be found on his debut album. "Good Old Vinyl" laments a time when analogue sound ruled the day, while "Same Place Holiday" sees him reminisce about going on vacation to the same part of Wales every year. "Welcome Commander Jameson" has a distinctly "Sgt Pepper" era Beatles feel about it, while its sister version, "Welcome Commander Jameson (Reprise)", sounds like a trippy session by Super Furry Animals.

Meanwhile, "Don't You Worry (I'll Be Fine)" opens up, bizarrely, with a similar riff to Radiohead's "Just" - but unlike those indie miserablists, Noir maintains a level of optimism and nonchalance in equal measure. "Forever Endeavour", with its chirping bird song repeated over bells chiming and eerie heavy breathing proves that despite the wit there is still a dark side to Noir. Be under no illusion. This is the work of a deranged madman with a touch of mastery. Only a person who has an erratic sense of humour or ADHD could pull off this kind of album.

    by Ash Dosanjh