The fourth album from Brighton's Fujiya & Miyagi doesn't stray too far from the formula that the band has established up to this point in their discography - that of breathy, sinister vocals, mingled with synth arrangements and winding bass lines, all enveloped in a gloomy retro atmosphere. But whereas their previous releases displayed life and verve, Ventriloquizzing is distinctly lacking a pulse.
It can't be said that the musicianship on this record isn't impressive. Songs like Cat Got Your Tongue and Taiwanese Boots showcase satisfying rhythm changes and instrumental breaks, hinting that the album might burst to life at any time. It's these moments, where the tone deviates from the banality established by the song up to that point, that the album begins to find its voice but these are elements which occur all too infrequently in the eleven song collection. All tease and no delivery, the occasional bright sparks on Ventriloquizzing ultimately get lost amidst all the lo-fi white noise.
By the midpoint of the album David Best's monotone vocals begin to grate. Pills walks the same beaten track as its album-mates, catchy but underwhelming and by the time Ventriloquizzing enters the final straight even if there was a game-changer waiting towards the end (there's isn't) it would be too little too late. Lyrically the album offers nothing of note either. Minestrone curiously offers us imagery of the mythical Greek figure Mestophales and a Vauxhall Cavalier in the same breath. As well, it's of absolutely no benefit to the listener, either sonically or emotionally, being repeatedly advised that "there's no use crying over spilt milk", as the ninth track tell us.
By the time that the album ambles to its conclusion, you are left with a palpable sense of being underwhelmed. There is very little to latch on to with this album and that is what is most disappointing. While there are undoubtedly moments of creativity, it almost seems like there is a wilful decision to steer away from them and return to an unsatisfying plodding tempo as soon as they arrive. You can't help but wonder what the results would have been if Fujiya & Miyagi altered their approach and took a different route. They're on the right track but perhaps they would have been better served getting off at a different station.
