Janine Rostron’s one women electro-art-pop goes under the moniker of Planningtorock, and if you think there might be typo, be rest assured that you have entered the realm of unconventionality. W is an expressive pilgrimage to the centre of Rostron’s complex and artistic mind. There exists layers of darkness bound by a penchant for ultra memorable mini motifs which are sprinkled throughout the album. These morsels of completely satisfying electro are remarkable, but seldom last. Instead the album is filled with avant-garde escapades which challenge musical keystones like a chorus.

When Rostron decides to venture into a catchy riff, it is quite intriguing. When she explores an echoing sound chamber, the effect is hair raising. Repetition is king as often the songs will introduce a synth motif and add opposing layers of sound with some degree of subtlety. The system is disguised so well that you hardly notice the repetitive culture of the elements. W also displays a chameleon effect avoiding any kind of a foundation or binding element, choosing instead to treat each song with individual charisma. Certainly the rhythm section doesn’t even fully reveal itself until somewhere around ‘Manifesto’; the fourth track. The thought of perhaps listening to a recognizable semi-standard pattern is fleeting as the following song, ‘I Am Your Man’, not only causes the listener to check the liner notes to ensure that Rostron is indeed singing about being your man, but also prompts a quick adjustment of the EQ to account for the relentless bass drum.

The vocals are an absorbing element as she disguises her voice, on several occasions, to sound like a man who has been resurrected as a zombie. Like the album, the vocals tend to shift in tone and pitch with each new track, and just when you have accepted that every song on W is designed to be off kilter, along comes ‘Living It Out’ which defies everything by investing in an opening verse then settling into a 3 minute long disco-like chorus. I swear I hear shades of Jimmy Page on this one.

W‘s only downfall is that it loses a bit of steam towards the end. After the dramatic and drum centered ‘Jam’, it is almost an exhaustive effort to try and understand the relationship between the various elements at play; nevertheless, Planningtorock attacks the norm with enthusiasm and rigor. You can call Janine Rostron’s work avant-garde, progressive or even odd. She is definitely not guilty of fabricating formula and this record is designed for anyone looking to push the boundaries of their music collection.

Filled with bright moments that squelch the dark layers, W is designed to grow on you and the arrangements are such that with each successive spin, you will hear and appreciate more.