In the almost eleven years of my writing this blog there have been certain artists that have featured consistently and always come up with the goods. Courtney Barnett, Big Thief, Protomartyr, the Radiohead guys, came immediately to mind on an instant brainstorm. And Jane Weaver.
She's released five albums since she first came to my notice in 2015 with The Silver Globe. They've been consistently fascinating and multi faceted records. Almost Sci Fi. Using and melding strands from the likes of Stereolab, Broadcast, Nico, Krautrock, Eno, Bowie and Folk legacies for her own purposes. While reminders of other artists are sometimes an irritant with other musicians, I never find that to be the case with Weaver. In fact here they're quite delightful moments. Reference points.
If I were to make the most immediate comparison point that comes to my mind is actually with a writer. Science Fiction writer Ursula Le Guin. Like Le Guin, Weaver delights in constructing fabulous landscapes. Imaginary but recognisable worlds. Pleasurable ones. She has few contemporary challengers in these respects. Very few are working on her plain of invention.
In Constant Spectacle is more of the same in some ways but that is not a complaint or criticism. Quite the opposite. These are more dreams to immerse yourself in.
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