CRAIG ARMSTRONG As If To Nothing (Melankolic/Virgin) Rating three 1/2 The second album from noted composer and Massive Attack associate Craig Armstrong is like a box of chocolates -- from piece to piece, you're never sure what you're going to get. As much as his uniqueness proves to be troublesome at times on his latest effort, As If To Nothing, the same eclecticism could become his saving grace should the Golden Globe award winner (for his Moulin Rouge score) ever fully realize his talent. Armstrong's latest is armed to the teeth with atmosphere; every time he comes at the listener with a haunting cut like Waltz, a beautifully orchestrated worldbeat romp featuring Antye Greie-Fuchs, he lets loose with something like Inhaler, a barrage of distorted electronica centred more on power instead of the finite string arrangements that dominate much of the record. Evan Dando, Mogwai, Photek and Bono of U2 all bring something to the coming out party, and the guest talent helps give As If To Nothing a pleasant, measured feel. The American Film Institute's Composer of the Year (again for his work on Moulin Rouge) can afford to do what he wants now given his reputation, but Armstrong seems unsure in what direction to proceed. One thing's for certain -- he's travelling in the right circle if he's looking for guidance. --

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