Lamb - 'Between Darkness and Wonder' (Mercury Records) Released 03/11/03

It’s a difficult introduction to Lamb’s new release ‘Between Darkness and Wonder’, awkward and muddled, it’s unclear where Lamb are going with this as a prologue to their fifth full length release. Titled simply “Darkness” it’s clear that this no where near the wonder that the album promises later.

Five minutes on comes some reassurance as the confident 'Stronger' oozes out of the speakers followed by ‘Sugar 5’ which could easily be the backing track to a TV ad coming your way. Debussy’s 'Clair de Lune' makes for the backing to fourth track 'Angelica' with its string orchestra bubbling quietly under the surface afraid to break free. No such timidity with the fifth track as the soaring soundscapes and commanding drums add a level of literalness to 'Clouds Clear'. 'Wonder', the first single to be lifted off the album is second only to 'Sugar 5' in its mainstream pop tones. The first (and only) track to truly break from the pack, revelling in being ever so slightly “funksome”, is titled 'Sun', reflected in its warmer lyrics.  It’s not difficult to see why this would be a live favourite of the band.

This album is difficult to assess fairly; complicated and at times self-conscious and awkward, it fills you with a sense of unease. Whilst this album could be mistook for something altogether more ambient, a filler for evening conversation, Lamb are attempting to unsettle their audience, truly resting somewhere between the Darkness and Wonder; stuck in a musical purgatory; and it’s only after a period that this direction is partially unveiled. As final track 'Hearts and Flowers' returns you to the ground you’re left puzzled as you only begin to see some of the wonder that Lou Robinson and Andy Barlow are capable of.