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Ostensibly a solo project, Colin MacIntyre's Mull Historical Society releases its debut through Warner's Blanco y Negro imprint after singles on hip indies Tugboat and Rough Trade. A major label deal for 'Loss' seemed as remote as the Scottish isle from which they take their name but, thankfully the financial muscle hasn't been spent on guest appearances and in-demand producers. Self-produced and played by MacIntyre with Alan Malloy handling bass duties 'Loss' is layered and complex but boasts and abundance of hooks and melodic invention, as evidenced by the four singles (five if you include the double 'A' side), all of which appear here. MacIntyre aims high on arrangement whilst keeping his themes down to earth, (most obviously on Barcode Bypass which, in epic fashion, details the struggle of a traditional shopkeeper with the might of the local supermarket), making 'Loss' an intriguing and personal experience.

Matt Dornan
November 2001

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