HALF COUSIN – IODINE (Indie/Lounge/Folk – UK)

Sought after singles “Half Turn/Mrs Pilling”, “Country Cassette” and “The Diary Fire EP” paved the way for acclaimed shows, supporting the likes of Hot Chip, The Earlies and Boom Bip. Numerous collaborations also cemented Half Cousin’s reputation as something fresh and exciting. Kevin Cormack followed The Function Room in 2007 with Iodine to great critical acclaim, with Uncut magazine saying: “Comparisons with Syd Barrett, early Bjork or Devendra Banhart barely do Iodine justice; a thing of wild and magical beauty.”

As before, junk percussion, cheap electronics and family heirlooms prevail but the results are far more beguiling, detailed and, at times, euphoric. Check out the lead single “The Absentee” remixed by Zero 7…

On Iodine, Cormack’s twisting melodies lead the way, giving momentum and focus to the collection of customized sounds. Hints of  Arab Strap or Animal Collective emerge, but always as part of something uniquely its own. Essentially, it all still adheres to his original aim of creating “short, melodic songs made from junk.”