What's Between is the debut studio album by Irish singer-songwriter James Kelly under the pseudonym Wife. It was released on 9 June 2014 through Tri Angle. It received generally favorable reviews from critics.
Background.
In 2012, James Kelly released his debut solo EP, titled "Stoic", under the pseudonym Wife. The breakup of his band Altar of Plagues was announced in 2013. "What's Between" is his debut solo studio album. In the lead-up to the album's recording sessions, he took singing lessons. The album is produced with the Haxan Cloak, Lie, and Roly Porter. The album's title refers to "the emotional and physical space between two people." A music video was released for "Heart Is a Far Light".
In a 2016 interview, Kelly recalled, "as things developed, the label and I had some disagreements [with] how we wanted it to come out." He added, "It was a shame that what I ended up with was a record I truly knew in my heart I was not happy with."
Critical reception.
Bram E. Gieben of "The Skinny" commented that "there is a majestic sweep, a widescreen, cinematic ambition to James Kelly's songwriting that reaches for the melodramatic narrative touch of early Nine Inch Nails, or the abstract torch songs of Japan." He added, "Kelly is drawing on ancient choral traditions, deconstructed forms of electronic music spanning decades, but the songs are never difficult or over-cooked." Paul Clarke of "Resident Advisor" stated, "what's most surprising about "What's Between" is that a man mired in both metal and experimental electronic music has created melodies and choruses you could almost sing along to." Heather Phares of AllMusic called "What's Between" "a complex, often beautiful debut album that affords Kelly even more expression and possibilities than what he's done before." Colin Joyce of "Pitchfork" stated, ""What's Between" provides some compelling glimpses at Kelly's cimmerian headspace, but knowing that he possesses the ability and the vision to flesh out his own ideas, it's hard not to be left wanting more."
Personnel.
Credits adapted from liner notes.