2 May 2003

MY FRIEND IRMA - APOTHECARY NOW (TALLOW MUSIC)

'Apothecary Now', the second album from Boat Race regulars My Friend Irma, ranges from rock to ambient, from upbeat to mellow, with sound effects drawn from 50s B-movies, Doctor Who style squelchy synthesizers and occasional shades of early Pink Floyd.  The balladic Figaro's Divorce, with its haunting intro, is about letting go from love, while Brown Paper follows a similar theme in a low slung funk rhythm.  Angel Delight samples an immodest moment from a press conference with Bruce Lee before moving into the hypnotic - a happier tone belying the typically sad lyrics.  A Gothic opening to Young Harridan builds into rock, laced with plenty of theremin and breaking into some energetic guitar playing, which is also evident on tracks such as Gypsophelia.  This is an accomplished album, both intense and melancholy, with some inventive songwriting and production displaying the diversity of talent within the group.

Phil Church

EIGHT DAYS : Real City's pick of the week's events

My Friend Irma @ Boat Race

Well, not actually my friend, I don't know anyone called Irma - all my friends have boring names unfortunately.  They're jolly nice though.  Anyway, indie-rockers My Friend Irma play an unmissable live show at the Boat Race tonight, showcasing material from their new album Apothecary Now.  Arrive early for free bubbly.