No Style

Album Review

Though most solo projects attempt to break free from the usual constraints of a full-time band, No Style, the first effort from King Biscuit Time, aka Stephen Mason, takes a route that is unmistakably similar to his main project, Scotland's Beta Band. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. Employing similar tactics as he did in assembling the mélange of styles that Beta Band uses, Mason's message is a lot clearer this time around and makes for much more pleasurable listening. Apparently, fewer hands make for easier work as Mason's private recording is much more controlled and seeks a clearer direction than the Beta Band's often scattered self-titled disc. King Biscuit Time's debut EP kicks off with the elegantly poppy "I Walk the Earth," staying true to Beta fashion with its pastiche of hip-hop handclaps, half-sung/half-spoken vocals, and a thumpy, groovy bassline. But, for the most part, Mason exceeds his regular fare as evidenced by tracks like "Time to Get Up," seeing King Biscuit Time venture into beat-less territory where strings, vocals, and watery synths pluck out a rhythm that is truly beautiful. From time to time, radio friendliness may get the best of Stephen Mason, but generally No Style succeeds above and beyond that Beta Band fantasyland where indie rock meets electronic pop in perfect balance.