Album Notes

Bishop & Mulholland is poised to take electronic music back into the mainstream pop consciousness with his brand of Electro Soul. Catchy and fervent, producer and vocalist Paul Dirks has woven together a debut that is equal parts electronica and pop with "Essays and Ear Candy". In the vein of genre luminaries like Hot Chip and LCD Soundsystem, Bishop & Mulholland has the verve and vision to be one of the artists to lead electronic music into a golden age. While many of the leading electronica acts are reaching back to synth-pop or punk for inspiration in this new wave of electronic music, Bishop and Mulholland reaches back further, to the soulful sounds of The Four Tops and Marvin Gaye to create a fusion of soul and electronica that sounds at home both on the dance floor and the radio. A two and a half year labour of love, "Essays and Ear Candy" has a sonic and lyrical maturity that is as stunning as the can't-get-them-out-of-my-head synth melodies that populate the album. Some of the stand-out tracks include opener "Microromance"- a full-on dance track about sacrifice in love. It features Paul's trademark rasping soul delivery, a loping kick and bassline, and techno-synth backing. If it weren't so fervent, it could be a Chromeo track. "Thank You For Moving" figures to be the radio hit, with a nasty beat that kicks in after a smooth intro. The chorus hook is tasty and sweet, and if this track doesn't make you bob your head or move your feet- you need to see your doctor. Other tracks range from trip-hop influences (Labour of Love, Thrill Of The Chase) to big beat (Don't Cry For Babylon) to electro (Beggarman). Held together by deep lyricism and Paul's penchant for melodies you swear you've heard before, the album seems to get stronger as it progresses.