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Broadcast & the Focus Group

Investigate Witch Cults of the Radio Age (Warp)

Reviewed by Audra Schroeder, Fri., Nov. 6, 2009

Fun Fun Fun Fest Phases

Broadcast & the Focus Group

Investigate Witch Cults of the Radio Age (Warp)

Indeed, Investigate surfs radio frequencies – tempos change, static appears, voices run backward. At 23 songs, the UK electro duo's fourth full-length has a lot of room for experimentation, but it comes off more like the soundtrack for a 1960s Hammer film. Investigate's predecessors relished both the minimal and pop structure. Here, teamed with the Focus Group, nom de guerre of graphic designer and Ghost Box label owner Julian House, Broadcast goes on a sample spree. "A Seancing Song" is genuinely unsettling, filled with ringing telephones, locked doors trying to be opened, and singer Trish Keenan whispering under the Quija board. Her voice goes largely missing from the witchy hiss and whir, letting warbling organ, choppy beats, bird sounds, and echo fill her empty space. The result is disorienting but hints possibly at future Broadcasts. (Sunday, 4:45pm, Orange Stage.)

**.5

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