If the lush, sweeping strings and
ambient
beats of
The Space Between Us
seemed cinematic,
As if to Nothing
suggests an even bolder turn toward film score territory. It's an indication of how
Armstrong
's stock rose after
Moulin Rouge
was released and after his work with
Massive Attack
was featured in advertisements and
soundtracks
around the world that so many collaborators join the fray here.
Bono
,
Evan Dando
Mogwai
Photek
, and
David McAlmont
all attempt star turns, and less well-known performers from
Big Dish
Alpha
Laub
get in on the festivities as well. But
's string arrangements are still the focal point, to the extent that most of the collaborators are relegated to a back seat. The album's high points mostly reside in the
instrumentals
, though
's vocals break through the
electronic
wash in
"Wake up in New York"
and former
member
Steven Lindsay
's voice shines through on
"Let It Be Love."
Swati Natekar
and
give a strong showing with
"Miracle"
vocalist
Wendy Stubbs
' tenderly voiced
"Sea Song"
is sublime, though less studio polish would have aided both songs. The showy reworking of
U2
's
"Stay (Faraway, So Close!)"
gives
the chance to emote like few contemporary
songs. The brilliant
"Waltz"
sees
Antye Greie-Fuchs
presenting a spoken-word manifesto over
gurgling. The
instrumental
"Inhaler"
is a punishing change of pace, though it betrays a heavy
Depeche Mode
influence.
is certainly a talented studio technician, but there's a sense that he's relying too heavily on his patented string arrangements on
. While the album is another stylized dose of theatrical
pop
electronica
, there is an undeniable feeling that
Craig Armstrong
is holding back. ~ Tim DiGravina