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A quartet with a less than inspiring name perhaps, but this is just about the music. All classically trained, Clogs specialise in aching melancholy wrapped-up in a lushly arranged post-rock package. It's as far away from 'normal' song structures as possible, closer to jazz than rock, inspired by Erik Satie's near-legendary quiet piano musings. Led by a persistent use of violin, Clogs plough through spacious drifting soundscapes that at times recall Tortoise, Mogwai and particularly the calm after the storm movements of Godspeed You Black Emperor! There's a strange, sad beauty to it all - slightly one-paced for sure - but at the same time, tender and soothing. Like many of their contemporaries, this whole record is almost completely without dialogue but with the lights out and door firmly shut, you'll hardly even notice. Music for moments of quiet introspection, 'Thom's Night Out' makes for our intriguing night in.

Ian Fletcher
November 2002

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