Sadisfaction

Subdued, sedate coolness oozes throughout Sadisfaction, Mantler's full-length on Tomlab Records. The disc opens with Chris Cummings' (also known simply as Mantler) exquisite vocals over cleanly composed instrumentation. Throughout the disc, Cummings casually combines powerfully composed electronics and sly, hushed vocals. Paul Bethel's reserved flute on "Marnie," and Duncan McDonald's percussion on "This Time Last Year" prove that Mantler is not a one-man band. Sam Allison adds bass, while Dennis Frey appears on backing vocals on some tracks. The envelope is pushed on "Hoped-For Chance," which features stylish drum machine beats and some to-die-for Cummings-Frey harmonies. Embracing a downbeat mood throughout, the group gives Joy Division and Tindersticks a run for their money with unique arrangements during Sadisfaction's many twists and turns. The blue mood hits its peak on "Lately I'm Sad," which, despite its dour tone, retains remarkably stellar musicianship. "Lost Look" and "Private Doubts" offer more looks into Cummings' personal struggles, and the disc ends with "I've Been Destroyed," where he finally unleashes the emotional volcano the listeners sense was building up with the first eight tracks. The song includes a brief rap by Cummings, an extended chorus, and carefully-crafted instrumentation. In the end, Sadisfaction shows a talented songwriter at work, battling his demons while embracing his instincts for art. That said, the depressed tones would benefit greatly from some optimistic and inspired influences. Then again, Sadisfaction wouldn't be so satisfying without the gloomy theme on most of the tracks. Germany's Tomlab Records released the disc in 2002.