One thing is certain about Video Blue – aka Jim O'Donoghue Martin – and that is the rather obvious fact that the art is strong in him with his fourth album “Eyes on Sticks” being composed of a coherent mix of stylised soundtrack cues, ambient loops and distinctly literate urban poetry.
Atmosphere being what is it is, as in something that surrounds us and lets us breathe and pay taxes, it is no mystery that the loops and soundbites that are to be found on this album contain no surprises and it would seem that was the artistic intent of Video Blue as their supporting role seems entirely sufficient to allow his words, devoid as they are of political content, to walk along the street towards that coffee shop where they refuse to sell full fat milk on a point of principle. His words, and they are always elegantly presented, flow forever forwards fuelled with the ever evident benefit of a high octane education yet, while it would be easy to condemn all that you hear as mere cappuccino coloured pretension, it is not as straightforward as the potential for beard scratching would suggest. Form and shape are the building blocks of any solid structure and Video Blue has cemented his version of urban poetry from the better part of town into an album that would withstand even a strong wind.
“Eyes on Sticks” is perhaps not an album for the mainstream but, if your tastes are wide-ranging and you are known to wear a scarf even in summer, then it might well have earworm appeal for you.
The album is available from Bandcamp and the usual digital places.