As to be expected given the title, 'STBUT' is a sombre, delicate and atmospheric outing. As you would hope of an artist of Ta-ku's caliber, this concept album is very cohesive and well thought out.
Some parts sound like a drunken Art of Noise burning photographs of a now ex-love (especially openers 'Beginning to End' and 'Heartbreak (Sinking)'; 'I Miss You' makes great use of skittish drums and taught strings, all held together by a simple, haunting piano. 'I Miss You More' carries on the haunting piano and vocal samples and is a clever response to 'I Miss You', as well as being a beautiful track in it's own right.
'Healing (Hope You're Well)' makes use of a crackling noise which, repeated through the album, sounds equal parts like old vinyl or the embers of a log fire which still burns (metaphor, anyone?) whilst 'Moving On' is a bit more 'upbeat', but still poignant, with some nice hand claps and plenty of bittersweet strings to get lost in.
Beautifully executed, skillfully orchestrated and highly addictive, 'Songs To Break Up To' is a project to fall in love with.
huhwhatwhere.bandcamp.com/album/songs-to-break-up-to#