7/10

Having spent much of the last few years working and recording under various pseudonyms, multi-instrumentalist Alex Izenberg has finally taken the plunge and released his first studio album under his own name. And as you might expect from someone who likes to indulge in various directions during his work, his first full-length 'Harlequin' is a broad and uncompromising mix of experimental and challenging material.

Recorded with a smorgasbord of instruments, but mainly orchestral, Alex Izenberg seems to have looked to recreate the joy of diverse music making that hasn't been seen since The Beatles' 'White Album'. Every track seems to play like a flick-book of ideas and inspirations, each with their own purpose and intention as he makes good on his ability to deliver us something that we are not likely to hear from anyone else.

Pigeonholing Alex would not only do him a disservice, it would also be pretty much impossible to attempt. At best you could say he represents the influence of Lou Reed and the left-of-centre appeal of Brian Eno, all wrapped together in the mind of a truly talented musician. It is an interesting release to say the least, and definitely something for the musically explorative to get their teeth into.