Artist description An understated mixture of heartfelt vocals and cinematic arrangements

Music Style Leftfield lo-fi pop

Similar Artists Mercury Rev, Pulp, The Smiths, Bright Eyes, Ben Christophers, Belle And Sebastian, Scott Walker, Flaming Lips, Cocteau Twins, Badly Drawn Boy

Albums Half-Life

Press Reviews what's on in London, 6th february 2002 This remarkable debut by Tim Closs has been re-issued. Which is just as well as it's a work of pure genius. It's dark without ever being bleak, while a lingering melancholic beauty is constantly on display. Closs wears his heart very much on his sleeve, as a blanket of honesty is stretched to every corner of not only his world, but ours as well. It's produced with such restraint, giving everything, from his heartfelt vocals, soft strings and guitars room to breathe. Each track should be labelled 'handle with care': such is the level of fragility that exists. If you've ever felt heartache (and I don't mean indigestion), then buy a copy not only for yourself, but for everyone you've ever loved. 5/5 nme singles, 9th december 2000, april long Don't know too much about who Tears In X-Ray Eyes are or where they're from, but it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to say that they probably own a few records by The Smiths. When it opens, 'Stained Glass' sounds like 'Edelweiss', but somewhere along the course of its quiet, gloomy bedsit-and-thunderstorms three-and-a-half minutes, it nods to Belle & Sebastian, before genuflecting ardently to Mozzer. "Give me the real thing, please", a tremulous boy-voice pleads and, strangely, you don't necessarily feel inclined to echo his request. For Tears In X-Ray Eyes' sleepy, lovelorn strummings are both satisfying and warmly compulsive. 'Don't Crush The One You Love' (not, incidentally, about inappropriate weight distribution, but about, you know, being nice) even shivers and glides like Bright Eyes without the perched-on-the-abyss'-edge torment, rendering it slightly less than thrilling, but enchanting nonetheless Like the band name itself, all of this could either be pretentious bunkum or a statement of sweet cunning, depending on your inclination. Available on white vinyl only; but of course.

Location London, London - United Kingdom

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