Momus - Ocky Milk (2006)

Nick Currie, aka Momus, continues his explorations of Japanese ambience and hushed folktronica on this third installment of his "Berlin Trilogy." Low-key to the point of introversion, the songs hum with a quiet brightness, via soft, strummy guitars, gentle computer blips, and unearthly lyrics ("Moop Bears") that bypass the logical brain. There are elements of dreamy orchestral pop ("Nervous Heartbeat" is an English/Japanese easy-listening ode to a jittery new love) and bouncy, twee folk ("Frilly Military"). Not all of his sound experiments work, but there are few songwriters more creative, fun, or dedicated to risk-taking than Momus.