The Wave Room
Love Medicine (2000)

review by: Michael Walls
Date: 1/10/01

Is Matt Johnson in the room? The Wave Room, that is.

You're either a fan of The The or you're not. If you're a fan, then you know who Matt Johnson is.

I'm a fan and can pick Matt Johnson's vocals out of an audible lineup. So my first reaction to The Wave Room's debut CD Love Medicine, was to rip open the liner notes to look for Matt Johnson name. I didn't find it. Instead, I found Hamish Mackintosh credited for the vocals. Hamish Mackintosh? Never heard of him.

Released through the British independent record label Bella Union, The Wave Room is Scotsman Hamish Mackintosh and a collection of guests, including Bella Union co-founder and former Cocteau Twin, Robin Guthrie.

The Wave Room is an electronic-based, ambient pop production, anchored by the mesmerizing vocals of Mr. Mackintosh. The comparison to Matt Johnson is not restricted to the vocal similarities. The musical structure and texture mirror some of the best work from The The. The difference is a more listener-friendly, pop sound that may have a better chance of capturing a wider audience and drawing the attention of music critics. Moments of catchy melodies reminiscent of early U2 or Brian Ferry's Roxy Music grabs the listener and leaves them aching for more. Songs like "Dreaming In Tongues" and "Memory One" cause an immediate reaction to anyone within earshot, prompting the question "who is this?" While songs like "One for the River", "One Day Someday Soon" and "Love Medicine" have a dreamy, ambient feel that remind me of the sounds of Deep Forest.

Overall, this is an ambitious and daring debut. Hamish Mackintosh has shown his potential for radio hits, but has chosen to create a fluid, cohesive and experimental CD. Hamish Mackintosh? Never heard of him. But, I have a feeling that I'll be hearing his name, repeatedly, sometime in the future.