The Law Of Large Numbers

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Total Tracks: 12   Total Length: 41:27

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Alex Craig

eMusic Contributor

03.02.10
Emma Pollock, The Law Of Large Numbers
2010 | Label: Chemikal Underground / Iris

On her second record since the split of her former group The Delgados, Emma Pollock expands on her indie-pop palette, embracing more dynamic and complex arrangements. From jagged, angular guitar-driven tracks that recall Blonde Redhead, to more subdued, acoustic guitar or piano pieces, the songs on The Law of Large Numbers present Pollock's gorgeous voice and melodies in a diverse set of styles. This is intelligent pop, but the sophistication of the songs never detracts from the infectious, melodic nature of Pollock's songwriting, which is at points reminiscent of The New Pornographers' knack for crafting complex melodies. Those who enjoyed the more sonically ambitious works of The Delgados would be well-advised to delve into Emma Pollock's expansive latest offering.

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The Piano Hugs Back

ScissorMan

This album is denser and the songs more complicated than "Watch the Fireworks" - she almost takes a math-rock approach on some songs. It's not quite overproduced, but there's more going on - in particular, more electronics and a bigger, heavier drum sound (tracks 2 and 3 are good examples). The results aren't as immediately ear-grabbing, but saying that is like comparing two different pizza toppings: The stuff that's underneath is what really counts. This is a "must-download" album.

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They Say All Music Guide

Ex-Delgados vocalist Emma Pollock’s excellent 2007 solo debut, Watch the Fireworks, helped curb the hunger pangs felt by many fans after the beloved Scottish indie rockers called it quits in 2004. Hardly a dressed-down Delgados record, it utilized the best elements from the band while upping the hook factor and introducing some much-needed sunlight into the mix. Pollock, who wields a wily pen and an agreeable croon that falls somewhere between Chrissie Hynde and Aimee Mann, crafted another winner with 2010’s Law of Large Numbers. Like Fireworks, it’s a diary of serpentine melodies, metaphors, and styles that’s seamed and stitched together by economical production and Pollock’s easy delivery. It operates in a sparser, wearier landscape than its predecessor (which will please some hardcore Delgados fans), but through the smoky decay of pensive cuts like “Chemistry Will Find Me” and “The Loop,” rise a small army of glorious pop nuggets (“Hug the Harbour,” “Confessions”) and lovely, austere, modern folk songs ( “The Child in Me,” “House on the Hill”) that distance Pollock from her previous incarnation without sacrificing any of the gifts that brought her to the here and now. Law of Large Numbers won’t sneak up and hit you over the head, but it will sneak up on you. Singer/songwriters are a dime a dozen and well-stocked, but in their numbers the great ones shine brighter. – James Christopher Monger

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