ALBUM: The British IBM ‘Psychopaths Dream In Black And White’

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Psychopaths Dream In Black And White is the new album from Cambridge-based trio The British IBM, who released their self-titled, debut album back in 2012. The title might suggest an uncomfortable or heavy listening experience, but frontman Adrian Killens explained that the record is an emotional album about unemotional people” – an exploration of empathy, distracted by apathy.

The album opens with ‘All The Time’ which is “slow and methodical” and a gentle introduction to the British IBM’s intelligent lyricism and lo-fi, alt-rock-folk style. Killens’ stated that if the album were a film it would be “a cross between American Psycho and Fight Club“, and his sensitive but sharply focused approach to song writing warrants this comparison.

‘Just Get By’ hosts a beautiful cello piece contributed by guest instrumentalist Anna Scott, which resonates beautifully alongside the lyrics: “If you try to just get by, you’ll only waste your life”. Scott also makes an appearance on ‘Nothing Ever Lasts That Long’, which is an equally beautifully ode to misanthropy.

The hushed vocals on ‘Tread Carefully’ are unsettling in their simultaneous tenderness and casual threat: “Tread carefully, because I’m capable, I’m more capable than you” – the ambient electronic guitar and keyboard give the track an uplifting, dream-like quality, whilst Killens’ lyrics keep it firmly rooted in reality

‘Evolution’ is the stand-out track. Themes of crossing social lines, breaching mental boundaries, and self-deprecation permeate the album – but unusually, these negatives make for a truly positive listen. ‘Nothing’ is another example of The British IBM’s skill in crafting tracks with an optimistic yet melancholy edge: “When you wait for nothing, nothing’s gonna come – when you feel like no-one, that’s all you’ll become”.

On Psychopaths Dream In Black And White, The British IBM have managed to create eleven indie, folk-rock tracks that modestly showcase their skill in turning the black and white in to the aural equivalent of a rainbow. Fans of Belle & Sebastian and Perfume Genius will approve.

Psychopaths Dream In Black And White is self-released on 04.09.15

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate Crudgington

Kate Crudgington

Assistant Editor for Gigslutz (2015-2017) Now Co-Founder, Co-Host & Features Editor for @getinherears