- Electronic oddball and inconsistent almost-genius RJD2 has been producing albums of often engrossing, always interesting and mostly enjoyable music for so long now that when he brings out a new record it comes with a mixed set of feelings- sometimes I just can't get motivated. Like I'm always half-keen, but there are times that I never quite get around to it - another record placed into that huge mass of music that I enjoy, but never find the time to indulge in - so when new enigma Icebird appeared in my hot little hands I didn't quite know what to expect - or even if I wanted to get involved in the whole affair at all. RJD2 has seen fit to make another left turn, this time around creating an album's worth of quirky, funk-ish, organic beats for soul-ish crooner and relative unknown Aaron Livingston to work his wiles on, coming across like a slightly less sure-of-himself, yet still strangely effective Jamie Lidell-esque figure. Following RJD2's lead, Livingston darts around each of the 12 tracks, combining, for the most part flawlessly, to create The Abandoned Lullaby, an oddly enjoyable collection of tracks that kept me thoroughly compelled until at least 3/4s of the way through- at which point the whole experiment maybe, just maybe, started running a little low on gas. This being said, when it's good, it's good: early cut Going And Going. And Going shows that RJD2 can work eerily well within the restraints of classic rock and with Livingston showing off a little vocal personality the track soars above all other comers. After a decent chunk of resistance The Abandoned Lullaby certainly goes alright- a strangely affecting experiment.

- Jay Edwards.