Calendar

In a Heap

Imogen goes futuristic at McFarlin

A A A Comments By Jonanna Widner Thursday, Nov 23 2006

More About

Critics and fans went ape-poo over Imogen Heap's vocoder-drenched 2004 single "Hide and Seek," a melancholy song that spoke more of mopey bedroom recording than big-budget knob-fiddling, though it used its fair share of technology. "Hide and Seek" was lauded for good reason: The tune, with its take-your-time tempo and a capella-with-a-twist vocals, reminded us that simple is often stunning and that modern pop music's hybridization can point to the future as well as the past. Plus, you know, it was on The O.C. "Hide and Seek" may have put Heap on the national radar, but it's her updated Kate Bush stylings that have made her more than a blip. Heap's oeuvre synthesizes glitchy, sparse computerized sounds with a voice that is somehow simultaneously robotic and soulful. Her music is odd, sharp and transfixing. Take Heap's latest single, "Headlock" (from the album of the same name), which combines a computerized music-box tune, plucky strings, symphonic elements and Heap's trauma-rock voice before suddenly busting into an almost disco-fied chorus. It's a fine blend of generic electronica and genuine post-post-modernity, and it should be interesting pinging and ponging off the rafters of SMU's McFarlin Auditorium on Friday. Tickets are $25. Visit ticketmaster.com or call 214-373-8000.
Fri., Nov. 24

Check out this week's featured ad for Arts