IN THE NURSERY ERA ALBUM ITN CORPORATION RELEASE: JANUARY 22, 2007 REVIEW: JANUARY 28, 2007

This release marks the 25th anniversary of the group In the Nursery. They have decided to not go down the well-worn route of putting out a "greatest hits" to celebrate the event, instead bringing to light a new studio-album “Era” – something that must be commended. The main artists behind the group are the Sheffield-based twin brothers Klive and Nigel Humberstone, with long-term collaborator Dolores Marguerite C providing most of the vocals. I say "most", as a notable vocal contribution comes from Sarah Jay Lawley, who is well-known for her sterling work with Massive Attack. Originally hailing from the industrial music scene, they have developed to a much more orchestral, even classical style – very much in evidence from this release.

A major point to make about this album is the theme. All the tracks work around the concept of architecture, urban decay and regeneration. However this isn’t the standard fair you expect from the famous industrial city in Northern England. There is little in the way of bleeps, or industrial techno, instead the architectural representation is rather grand and austere in realization. The tracks generally build around the weaving of vocals and rather grand strings, the structure creating amazing, almost picturesque, atmospheres. The opener "Blueprint" is an example of, this and it is incredible. For me, it is possibly the best track on the album – it actually gets your heart pumping faster, such is its devastating sonic power!

To be honest, the momentum does drop off after the initial thrills of the first half of this concept album, as it does sound a tad similar in places, however it is more than worth a listen for the opening and closing tracks, and the rather long, but beautiful "Tempered Wings". The production is rich throughout, and the textures created really bring the architectural theme to life. The singing is nicely weaved into the rich tapestry; the singers’ voices nicely complimenting the lush chords in most of the tracks here. It is dramatic in places (the closer "Landlost" – which gives a nod back to their love of military rhythms), beautiful in places and is the nearest thing to a quality concept album I have heard in a long time. A good listen.

MIKE WHYTE