The Cold Cut

Rating: A charming, almost perfect debut

Dev Hynes is a pretty special person. You might say I'm jumping the gun here, but on the evidence of Test Icicles and his new Lightspeed Champion album, he's not going anywhere other than up. In reference to the title, given the multi-genre nature of Test Icicles and his acoustic pop/folk solo project, Lightspeed Champion, Dev is one of the first artists to succeed in so many different genres, and also make such a big musical turnaround.

I remember when Test Icicles first graced the Radar section of NME, and I clearly recall reading an article in which Dev was accused of spending too much time on MySpace. The page was headed by an image of the three, with Dev holding a fluorescent pink guitar. Incidentally, the article prompted me to check Test Icicles out, and whilst I wasn't massively impressed by the band (other than a couple of ace songs), the premise was intriguing. His Test Icicles band-mates may have been right about his MySpace obsession, but even back then, he had the right idea. Even now, Dev regularly writes and updates his Lightspeed Champion blog, a great read. He obviously understands the importance of web media- something I really respect- and even commented on one of my posts about him (what a legend!), see here.

'Falling Off The Lavender Bridge' is one of the first great albums of 2008, and really warrants no complaints. From start to finish, I really couldn't find any glaring issues or emissions, and for Dev, this album is a brilliant introduction, complete and showing much potential on his part. In time, he may develop into one of the 'great' British songwriters.

On the 12 songs here, Devonte seriously flexes his lyrical muscles, with some witty, quirky and compelling verses. 'Galaxy Of The Lost', wrapped up as a sweet pop song, caused me to almost fall off my chair when the line "as we kiss, and I'm sick in your mouth" popped up. These surprising moments are oft repeated, such as on the 10 minute 'Midnight Surprise', which features the lyrics:
“I’m waiting in silence
And cloaking my violence
You, almost encourage
My happiness, but I know best
Wake up, smell the semen”
Epic and meandering, 'Midnight Surprise', the 2nd single, starts off tender, and builds, builds and builds to a rollicking finale. Most of the lyrics on this album are universally accessible, but there are a few exceptions to this:
"Come over
I just got the new O.C.
And if they can sort their problems out
Why can't I get out the house?"

Kudos must go to the backing band, comprised of some big names (in their own right), including Emmy The Great and Florence (of Florence And The Machine). However, there have been some unjustified claims that the backing vocals make the tracks, and I just want to clear these up. If you cut the production, backing and guest vocals out, leaving only Dev and his guitar, it would still be Lightspeed Champion.

The only reason this album doesn't achieve a perfect rating is the simple fact that one of my favourite songs, 'Waiting Game', was left off the album. Regardless, the 12 tracks on this album are all worthy of their selection, other than the slightly misfiring 'Salty Water'... The ones to check out if you're short of time are 'Everyone I Know Is Listening To Crunk', completely effortless brilliance, and 'Dry Lips', a song simply about the last time Dev had a hangover. Sounds basic, but the simplicity and honesty make it stand out...

Test-Icicles fans may be surprised and -possibly- outraged by 'Falling Off The Lavender Bridge'. I challenge you, listen to 'For Screening Purposes Only' followed by Lightspeed Champion's debut, and try and find a musician who has undergone a bigger transformation than Dev. In the short time between bands, he has regrouped and undergone a huge change of musical direction. His history as a Test Icicle will make his (now guaranteed) rise to the top of the folk/pop ladder one of the most unlikely to occur, in the history of music. There isn't anyone around at the moment with this level of talent, and more worthy of success. Good luck with it Dev, and keep the music coming...

Lightspeed Champion- Everyone I Know Is Listening To Crunk
Lightspeed Champion- Midnight Surprise

'Falling Off The Lavender Bridge' can (and should be!) purchased here

A wave of sadness/joy was felt when Test Icicles broke up last year, shortly after releasing their first album, For Screening Purposes Only. Made up of three young guys by the names of Rory Atwell, Sam Mehran and Dev Hynes, the latter of whom has started his own solo-project in wake of their breakup. Lightspeed Champion, his latest creative output, is a completely different ball game to Test Icicles; whereas they spliced together genres (rapcore, punk-pop etc...) into a mess which only vaguely resembles music, Lightspeed Champion is all about Dev Hynes distancing himself from the chaotic punk band that whilst good, wasn't very commercial. Take his first single Galaxy Of The Lost for example; I was pretty shocked the first time I heard it, because it turns out Dev's got a great voice. Listen to the Test Icicles tracks below and you will no doubt realise that his musical talents didn't exactly come across in their music. So what a surprise then when Dev breaks out some slide guitar and harmonies in his first single! Its really great to see someone mix it up so much, and I think his strategy should pay off- he's been on TV a lot over the last couple of weeks and his live performances are going down a treat. Now we just have the ever-excruciating wait for his new album, currently untitled, to see if he can produce an album of songs of equally good quality. If by some miracle you read this: Good luck Dev, and I look forward to the new album!

Lightspeed Champion- Galaxy Of The Lost
Lightspeed Champion- Mr Fisk (Live on BBC 6 music)
Test Icicles- Circle Square Triangle
Test Icicles- What's Your Damage?

This is the video for Galaxy Of The Lost- pretty weird huh? Check out his myspace...