So you're Rich are you? Alright - no need to brag about it...
Richard File has been making music for ten years under various pseudonyms: UNKLE, Forme and now the wildly imaginative Rich. He co-wrote the film score of 'Sexy Beast' (which, in my humble opinion, is one of the best British films of the past five years - if only because Lovejoy gets buggered in it) and 'Neon One' is his brand new E.P.
Owing much to late-Seventies new wave, and Goth (I'm thinking Talking Heads, Television and The Cure) 'Rich' takes a simple sonic idea and makes a big statement.
Stripped-to-the-bone 'Big Mistake' is an apocalyptically romantic ode: 'You and I/We will always be together/You and me/'Til we crash and burn' and File's softly menacing vocal is bolstered by clattering rim-battered drums, a driving bassline and a cacophony of guitar distortion. As with The Cure's 'Subway Song' and The Knife's 'Silent Shout', 'Big Mistake' is proof that more often than not, the most terrifying songs are also the most beautiful.
'Time Is Mine' approaches more defiantly UNKLE territory and revels in its realisation that severance should not be viewed pessimistically but triumphantly - 'Here without you/Something's come alive'. Again, the deep beats, heavy bass, brittle guitars and minimal programming imbue 'Time Is Mine' with a palpable narcissistic slant, and one that 'In My Head' sorely lacks.
From the ethereal vocal, the asininely, absorbed and lovelorn lyrics, the pounding bass (which horribly conjures memories of U2's 'With Or Without You') to the crunchy guitars and excruciating handclaps, this is the duff track of the three. I'd advise you think of 'Neon' as a kickass single with a hell of a B-side and retitle 'In My Head' to 'In My Dustbin'.
Providing Rich can exorcise the demons that obviously stole his mind and produced the heinous, suffocating closer, 'Neon' is further proof (if it were needed) that he's a supremely talented song smith and a great producer. Keep your eyes peeled for the next release - Rich is far above the other rank and file acts currently hocking their wares out in Popworld...
N.B. Apologies for the 'rank and file' gag - I really couldn't help myself...