REAL GROOVE

This CD starts off with an unsual, slighty classical slightly electronic mix of sounds, then lead vocalist Melita Jansen's creamy voice takes over that is reminiscent of JANIS JOPLIN accompanied by a 1930's jazz group in a smokey bar somewhere in Chicago. Actually, the vocals do have a jazzy edge to them, brilliantly complemented by strategically placed, haunting trumpet tunes. This is definitely strange music (I think to myself). I hesitate for a moment or two, but by the end of the first track, I submit. I am a new BLOOM covert. This is music of quality, of precision of skill, talent and a vivid imagination (to say the least). Very hard to categorise, it lulls you into a somewhat hypnotic state. Perfect for those nights of full moon and red wine, especially if you have free access to a limo and a private castle. Simply luxurious.

CHRISTCHURCH PRESS

It's the geuine surprises in music that makes all the wading through the dross worthwhile, when your ears hear something enthralling and the spine tingles. Or you end up wearing a silly grin you can't wipe off, or explain to others. For me, all those things kicked big time hearing RADIOHEAD's OK COMPUTER and THE VERVE's BITTERSEWEET SYMPHONY. And now a dark, fascinating boxing clever Australian band called BLOOM are putting a warped spin on things. Bands that conjure up BLOOM's approach range from CHRIS AND COSY, PORTISHEAD, TRICKY, and MASSIVE ATTACK through to the technological uneasiness of CLOCK DVA. BLOOM's exquisite weapon is singer Melita Jansen. Her range and vocal capabilities are jaw dropping. She posssesses the clipped resonance of SHIRLEY BASSEY and ARETHA FRANKLIN and her own utterly sexual way of making the seemingly beautiful become compulsively voyeuristic. ADULT THEMES is also superbly produced. The layering of programming, keyboards, guitars and double bass makes for an eerie journey into the darker recesses of the mind. All this and a love song called SLIDE RULE that's about a woman performing an autopsy on her ex. Phew. ADULT THEMES is essential. Makeout point was never this hedonistic.