17 May 2010
thefourohfive.comLeahanna Henson

Read full review HERE
Before a second of music is played, Derivatives is already a fascinating album. The very idea of the delicate, heartfelt and evocative melodies of the previous album from William Fitzsimmons, The Sparrow and the Crow, being re-imagined and remixed to give them a positive spin is an idea that could possibly have terrible repercussions. Fortunately, the remixes are tastefully done and don't squeeze every bit of essence from the original songs. Instead of unrecognisable songs being created, as so often is the way with remixes, Derivatives is an assembly of songs developed beautifully, creating a continuation from the songs on The Sparrow and the Crow. Electro blips, synths and heavy basslines now accompany Fitzsimmons' mournful voice, adding to the songs rather than removing key elements from them.
It's difficult to look at what these songs have become without putting them under great scrutiny and comparing them unnecessarily to their counterparts, and even if you did, luckily these songs can withstand the scrutiny. They're still as emotional and frantically grab at your heartstrings, clutching them tightly and relentlessly refusing to release grip. All this emotion can get quite tiring, especially if you immerse yourself fully into the songs. The Pink Ganter remix of ‘So This Is Goodbye' is an album highlight and preserves the beauty of the original song, using its emotional foundations as building blocks for something haunting and wholly respectful to the original.