Search - Craig Armstrong :: As If to Nothing

The impressive skills and epic ambition that arranger-composer Craig Armstrong brought to the Moulin Rouge soundtrack come to his aid again on As If to Nothing, making for a cohesive work that is at once beautiful and bleak. Given the dark orchestral flavor Armstrong has provided for artists like Massive Attack, U2, and Madonna, it's no surprise to find a sterling guest list (including Bono, David McAlmont, and Evan Dando) to help Armstrong articulate his world-weary musings. Photek adds vibrating beats to the rumbling "Hymn 2," the only dance-oriented track on the album. Moving back in time, Armstrong revamps King Crimson's classic ode to melancholy, "Starless," on "Starless II," adding elegant accompaniment of woozy strings and subtle piano. Dando's remorseful performance on "Wake Up in New York" is a ringer for pain merchant Mark Eitzel; Bono's lackluster performance is less revealing. But by then Armstrong has already worked his solemn, majestic procession to full effect. --Ken Micallef