Probably our most famous DJ export, David Holmes has spent the past two decades at the forefront of the Irish (and international) dance scene - whether it's through his own material (acclaimed 1997 release 'Let's Get Killed' a particular high point), through compositions of film scores (Steven Soderbergh's 'Out of Sight' and 'Ocean's' franchise) or remix and production work with other artists (Ice Cube, U2 and Primal Scream among them). It pays testament to man's skill that he can add a feather to his cap with practically every project he undertakes, and his fourth studio album is another quiet triumph for the Belfast man.
Apparently the first album to be inspired by his hometown, The Holy Pictures is probably Holmes's most introspective work to date; changes in his home life (deaths and births of family members in recent years) have evidently coloured the musician's world-view to a degree, although there's still an dynamism under the floorboards that makes it distinctly his own work. Opener I Heard Wonders sets the tone wonderfully - it's a sharp-paced electro-dream, a warm, breathy invitation in a never-heard-before Belfast soundscape that's impossible to refuse. From there on in, the tempo rarely breaks from a consistent midpaced swoon - his atmospheric, cinematic smarts coming up trumps on the likes of Story of the Ink and the ghostly, hymnal vocals of Hey Maggy.
True, there are a couple of tracks that sound vaguely familiar in a 'Wasn't this once a Primal Scream remix?' kind-of-way, but they're brushed aside by the dark, off-kilter Kill Her With Kindness and the light, airy skitter of Melanie. Welcome back, Mr. Holmes.
