King Creosote & Jon Hopkins

prolific. adj 1 producing much fruit or foliage or many offspring 2 (of an artist ,author etc.) producing many works 3 plentiful. King Creosote's name should also be in the dictionary under the title prolific. His output is nothing short of phenomenal. Diamond Mine represents his second album this year, a lean year by his standards but one that has projected him further into the public's consciousness. His collaborative venture with electro wizard Jon Hopkins has recently been Mercury nominated and while at odds of 25/1 it is an unlikely contender to win, it will no doubt bring about a new and bigger audience for the talented man from Fife.

At seven tracks and only 32mins long it's no epic. Rather 'Diamond Mine' is a very considered re-evaluation of previously written songs. Creosote has clearly gone for quality over quantity resulting in a very well balanced, cohesive and impressive track listing. The air of tranquillity that covers the album makes for a very pleasant and enjoyable listen, easily able to rest you from reality into a world of day dreams. Kenny Anderson (KC) is in mesmerising vocal form throughout the album, his voice framed exquisitely by the subtlety and sensitivity of Hopkins production. The electro pulses that soundtrack the songs are so perfectly in tune with each song that you never question or balk at the combination when paired with the wonderfully warm dueted vocal sequences, lone piano or acoustic guitar.

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