Key is Red Snapper's seventh album. Original band members Rich Thair (drums), Ali Friend (double bass/vocals) and David Ayers (guitar) are joined by young-blood jazz saxophonist Tom Challenger and guest vocalists Gavin Clarke (UNKLE, Clay Hill) and Eliza Carthy.

Two years in the making, Key is full of dark soul and blistering passion. This is jazz and electronica fused to create a dance based sound that is something quite different. In principle it sounds like a terrible idea but, on the whole, this works well.

From the funky bass and saxophone 'Off Balance' to the bizarre Glockenspiel (?) and double bass of 'Chimee' this album attempts to employ as many classical instruments as possible and fuse them with electronic backing. The result can be, at times, quite remarkable.

While this won't be to everyone's taste, if you get it you'll love it.

8

Nick Smithson