VIA http://terminal-boredom.com/reviews/201212/

V/A James Arthur/Alicja Trout split 7"
I don't feel like I should have to lay out James Arthur's credentials for you, as if you're this deep into a Termbo review section you should know that anything the guy touches is gold, from Fireworks to Necessary Evils to A Feast of Snakes to the New Memphis Legs. A founding member of the Golden Boys. A CC Rider even. His solo LP as James Arthur's Manhunt was one of the most overlooked top shelf LPs of modern vintage, and the (hopefully) soon to be released second LP from that combo is at the top of my can't-fucking-wait-to-hear list. His track on this, "Go West Old Bastard", is a wide expanse of Texas-style Krautrock instrumentalism, atmospheric guitar tracking hauled by drumdrive that picks up speed into a tornado of oscillation which drops crashing waves down on the dust. I've heard the new LP is mostly instrumental tracks such as this and I'm looking forward to two sides of similar sprawl. On side Alicja, a figure just as impressive as James when it comes to back catalog, you get "Close Ur Eyes" a quiet and trebly solo effort, which reminds me of Nervous Patterns. A hooky garage-synth number with beautifully sad vocals, melancholy vibes and a somber solo. I'm not usually one to recommend two-song splits, but this one has some merit, as it's one of the best Alicja tunes I've heard in a long time and the teaser for the JAM LP is worth a look. (RK) (Spacecase Records // www.spacecaserecords.com)