Album review: GLITCH CODE – Gifted_Damaged

GLITCH CODE - Gifted_Damaged

Basilica Music [Release date 12.02.16]

Glitch Code is a collaboration between songwriter/producer/sound designer Paul Kirkpatrick and vocalist Rachel Harvey. And a lot of attention to detail has gone into the creation of their debut – even the packaging for the initial limited edition CD run comes in a smart paperback sized embossed foil cover with 24 pages of artwork and lyrics.

If that seems a little OTT for a debut from an ‘alternative/electronic’ outfit, it’s testament to the effort and sweat that’s gone into the project. But don’t be put off by the badging – while there’s alternative/electronic aspects, Gifted_Damaged is a fine melodic rock offering.

While I’d hesitate to suggest there’s any symphonic aspects, Rachel Harvey’s impressive vocals would stand scrutiny in comparison with any of the gifted singers in that genre, with Kirkpatrick’s electronic synths providing a sonic canvas painted on by studio musicians Gordon Foley (electric guitars), Julian Todd (bass), and Dave Williamson Smith (drums), with shade provided by a string quartet of Rachel Dawson (cello ), Polly Wiltshire (viola), Frances Grime (1st violin), Stephanie Benedetti (2nd violin) and Felicity Hunter’s backing vocals.

With Harvey’s soaring vocals and some glorious melodies there’s much in common with the likes of established acts like Anette Olzon and Karnataka but, like the latter’s most recent release, there’s an absence of any ‘killer’ tracks and sufficiently barbed hooks to prevent one number blurring into the next.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s much to admire here. Dip into Gifted_Damaged at any point and you won’t be disappointed. But, taken as a whole, it feels a little formulaic and fails to mark Glitch Code out from the crowd. ***1/2

Review by Pete Whalley

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

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