On Floating Bodies

It doesn't seem that Glasgow's Conquering Animal Sound is really bent on doing what its name implies. Rather, the group does quite the opposite, using whirring electronics and loops to create sound tableaux that are far from organic. Still, one must admit that the band's adept at doing animal-type things in its music. A song might chirp and swoop ("The Future Does Not Require"), slither and flow ("No Dream"), or even stalk and bite ("Ultimate Heat Death of the Universe"). But for the most part, CAS creates an environment of strange beauty, woven from both the unnatural and natural worlds (though not exactly in balance). Anneke Kampman's vocals occasionally recall Björk (but with less...animal), while CAS partner James Scott's bewitching way with synths and glittering, rattling percussion borders on being quite majestic, even in its simplicity. Some tunes use loopy videogame textures, choppy lyrics, or Kampman's voice as rhythmic instruments; nestled among these are ephemeral, sparkling tracks like "I'll Be Your Mirror." Other songs, like "Ipse," straddle both worlds by melting down the inorganic bits with the heat and focus of Kampman's voice.