Graham Reid | | <1 min read
British fashion muse, serial collaborator (Heritage Orchestra playing Giorgio Moroder, Nick Cave and others) and member of the indie-rock guitar band Duke Spirit, the striking Liela Moss here again works some of the brittle electronica end of the spectrum with this album propelled by the urgency of global issues, from the economic meltdown to the climate crisis and social division.
With sweeps of synth and clattering percussion – but crafted into song structures with memorable hooks – Internal Working Model also brings in some useful guests like Dhani Harrison on the rippling beauty of Love As Hard As You Can, Jehnny Beth of Savages on the quieter Ache in the Middle and Gary Numan on Vanishing Shadows which has a vaguely Middle Eastern feel.
There is an undercurrent of unease in places as befits her themes, but also a frisson of optimism in that we have the knowledge and power to take on the structures which constrain and contain us.
Although contemporary in its references and technology, you can also find salient points in Peter Gabriel's first solo albums and the drama of Kate Bush.
This is Moss' third album under her own name and although it might not be the easiest prospect in a few places, it rewards serious attention. And for the memorable songs it is certainly the one to tune in for.
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You can hear and buy this album at bandcamp here
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