myspace cadets: rams’ pocket radio2

A band named after an industrial designer seems bizarre at first. Yet with musicians naming their acts after football teams (Kaiser Chiefs) or even weird rules in cricket (The Duckworth Lewis Method) anything is possible. Rams’ Pocket Radio embodies the spirit of Dieter Rams surprisingly well: a distinct attention to detail, innovation and the ability to create something beautiful are all part of Peter McCauley’s side project. Pianos are at the forefront of Rams’ Pocket Radio, combined with some inventive drumming and gorgeous string parts. For a man who generally resides behind the drums for Mojo Fury he’s got a cracking voice reminiscent of Patrick Wolf if he grew a pair and had an Northern Irish accent.

I use the word “epic” far too much, but I don’t know how else to describe “Dieter Rams’ Got The Pocket Radio”. From the thundering piano introduction that’s ominous from the outset to the occasionally disjointed drumming there’s a  Elliott Smith vibe running through this track but the chorus is simply awesome. It’s loud, brash, cinematic and completely over the top yet strangely appropriate: they add to the track instead of just throwing in a string part for the sake of it. The instrumental solo in the middle of the track is fantastic, almost orchestral in its approach but sufficiently gritty. It’s a little bit difficult to make out the lyrics but I’m chalking this down to crap MySpace quality. It has been in my head for weeks and who knows, it may be the same case for you.

“Boats” almost feels like it was written by a different artist. It’s slow, soft and lush, with tender vocals instead of the power we heard in the previous track. If you’re a fan of Duke Special chances are, this is right up your alley. The originality continues, especially lyrically. “Can you hear the cadences resonate between you and I?” isn’t exactly a line you would be expecting in a piano ballad. The understated trumpet part and the string section make this song stand out: it’s the attention to detail that is most surprising and each track is the product of some decent songwriting.

All in all, it’s pretty darn promising. I’d wait for the EP before making any final judgements but if it is as strong as the material we’ve heard so far Rams’ Pocket Radio will be one to watch.

Check out: “Dieter Rams’ Got The Pocket Radio”, “Boats”

Download: “Boats”(right click, save as)

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