Broadcast's Work and Non Work (1997 WARP CD/LP/MC52) is a compilation of Broadcast’s three deleted seven-inch singles. Hailing from Birmingham, Broadcast produce a rather dark electronic sound which you could well imagine in a continental film, on top of which Trish Keenan's laid-back voice flows wonderfully. Although a comparison with Stereolab is apparent, I find Broadcast much more atmospheric and captivating.
The best of the nine tracks is 'The Booklovers' which has a very addictive swirling sixties spy-series type tune. There's also some very weird experimental moments as heard in the instrumental 'Phantom' and some dark ambience as in 'According To No Plan'.
It is quite impressive when you consider this is Broadcast's early work.
JOHN MARSHALL 13 June 1997
Thanx to Samir Salim for this one. All help and feedback is very welcome.