For a man of such impeccable credentials, Guthrie's first lone outing is something of a let-down. Now resident in France, the recent Violet Indiana collaboration with Mono's Siobhan de Maré—and quality releases from his increasingly relevant Bella Union label—unfortunately eclipse this offering. Guitar drones, raindrops of keyboard and washes of tone may be something of a calling card, but without variety, imagination or crucial emotional pull, Imperial seems as inconsequential as the test card soundtrack or background fodder for time-lapse footage.

Look out for 4AD's current reissues of the Cocteaus' Head Over Heels and Treasure for the real deal.

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