Whatever The Weather - Whatever The Weather II (Album Review)
Wednesday, 19 March 2025
Written by Tom Morgan
Photo: Darryl Daley
A lot of abstract electronica can feel austere and cerebral, but Loraine James’ work is shifting that perception by infusing the genre with spectacular wells of feeling. Acute emotional intelligence was key to the success of her 2022 self-titled debut as Whatever The Weather, and its successor is similarly attuned.
‘II’ is a relentlessly soulful experience, coursing with glistening chimes (5°C), simple synths (8°C) and grand vistas (3°C) whose melodies will clasp your heart in their delicate palms. Those track titles are important, too, with each of them pointing to a quite brilliant conceit behind this project — each is supposed to correspond to James’ “emotional temperature” during the time of its recording.
The opener 1°C starts with James’ voice as fragments of feelings emerge from the static. “Bit chilly innit?” meets “can’t wait ‘til it's summer”.
Contrast this with the album’s ‘warmest’ track 26°C — there are no voices here, none of the jittery IDM that James is so adept at, none of the heart-wrenching feelings that she does even better. Instead there are layers of gorgeous synths offering a placid, scorching desert sunset to match the record’s cover.
‘II’ is one of James’ most minimalist works, yet each track teems with ideas, ensuring they all possess their own identities. Several that utilise field recordings are particularly memorable, notably the lengthy 20°C, where an abstract blend of indefinable voices exudes serenity and sun-flecked bliss.
While ‘II’ is perhaps a bit too slender and beautifully understated to be held up as a work of total brilliance, it’s hard to find much fault in its impressionistic beauty. James is becoming a contemporary master of emotive electronica, imbuing everything she crafts with stirring, empathetic weight.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
.jpg)
