alucidnation 'Paracosmic' review

Artist: alucidnation

Title: Paracosmic

Label: Lucid Recordings

Released: 12^th Oct 2018

Bruce Bickerton returns with another pure analogue release of electronic chill out, maintaining the format that gained him regular bookings at the Big Chill festivals throughout the noughties that took his productions to audiences around the globe.

This album begins with the short, simplistic and yet soothing intro ‘Take Flight’ which leads nicely into ‘Losing my Mind’ where the old skool bassline and vocal harmonies harp back to the Ibiza beach bar sound of the 90’s. The album continues to stamp an old skool impression upon me as I continue to listen through pleasant background music that either conjures up images of the Balearic beach or lazy days at an English riverbank.

That’s not to say there wasn’t tracks that rocked the boat somewhat (no pun intended) such as ‘Canoe Dreams’ which begins with a Folktronica feel leading into subtle 303 and sampled dialogue of a boy about his toy canoe. Which was followed by a more 303 structured piece ‘Supernova’ over layered with a space themed physics dialogue, which although is nothing new not only did it work well with the piece it held my interest in it’s own right.

In my opinion if you’re either a fan of Bruce’s work in general or fancy some fresh material in an old skool style, then this would probably suit you down to the ground for your moments of relaxation. The release is available in both CD and vinyl formats, which I would imagine goes hand in hand as a preferable format for those who seek out this sound.

Review by Woodzee

Links

http://alucidnation.co.uk/

http://www.helpmechill.com/eclectronica/

https://alucidnation.bandcamp.com/music

Alpha Wave Movement 'Tranquility Space' Review

Artist:

Alpha Wave Movement

Title:

Tranquility Space

Label:

Harmonic Resonance Recordings

Released:

11^th Sept 2018

This album is advertised as the first volume in what one assumes will be a series. A compendium of serene space music from the Alpha Wave Movement catalogue spanning back into the 1990’s. Which is available to purchase in both CD and digital format.

If you’ve dipped into the AWM considerably extensive catalogue at all, then you will already be aware of the use of analogue synths, sequencers and Berlin school influence. The album begins with the title track, which is one of two previously unreleased tracks featured. The dark drones soon lighten with lush harmonies that are peppered with sci-fi effects and already you can draw comparisons to the likes of Klaus Shultz, Steve Roach or Erik Wollo.

This collection works well for me as it comprises pieces I’m unfamiliar with alongside enjoyable reminders of pieces I’ve previously listened to. ‘The Tender Sea of Space’ for example is possibly my favourite piece from the ‘Celestial Chronicles’ album due to the complete sense of relaxation achieved when listening to this beautiful composition. While ‘Slow Voyage’ a track I either haven’t heard before or at least can’t recall, maintains the feeling of calm utilising a heavenly chorus before petering out into Tangerine Dream like sequencers and this is just the first three of ten tracks.

You could argue the album is very much of a muchness. However, if the more ambient side of the AWM productions that appeal to you, or your a Berlin school fan whose unfamiliar with his work and you wish to dig deeper, then this collection is a good bet.

Review by Woodzee

Links

https://hrresonance.bandcamp.com/album/tranquility-space

Jinx 'Dreamcatcher' Review

Artist: Jinx

Title: Dreamcatcher

Label: Real Life Music

Released: 28^th Sept 2018

Jinx is the main project from Jan Pettersen, from Sweden a new discovery for me. Dreamcatcher is the follow-up to Meadows (2012) and Splinter Planet (2013), both of which were re-released on online platforms in April 2018. The influences on this album are to name a few Banco De Gaia, The Orb, Dreadzone, Eskmo, Crazy World Of Arthur Brown, Gorillaz and Ayreon.

Overall this isn’t a bad album it’s certainly pleasant enough to sit down and chill to. Comprising electronica with acoustics, world music and a touch of the classical with moments you can pick up on the influences of the Orb and Banco De Gaia. It was the second track ‘Windswept’ that caught my attention initially, where a shuffling percussion and a more eminent flute lead to a very catchy section of acoustic strings. While there is certainly nothing wrong with the title track, personally I preferred ‘Once upon a time in Russia’ a piece of electronica where angelic choruses join eastern acoustics in a fashion not unlike Toby Marks himself.

Review by Woodzee

Links

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1uhSecuPcsMpBQToDkNibE

https://twitter.com/jinxrlm

Biome 'The Shores of Temenous' Review

Artist: 

Biome

Title: 

The Shores of Temenous

Label: 

Harmonic Resonance Recordings

Released: 

August 2018

Biome is one of the side projects composed by Gregory Kyryluk (probably best known for his releases under the Alpha Wave Movement moniker). The objective for the project is exploring organic environmental soundscape infused electronic music with a focus on subtle rhythms and contemplative nuances.

Upon pressing play the first piece ‘Ryuku’ introduces itself with a blustery wind which immediately transports your minds eye to the shores of the aforementioned album title. Initially the sounds that rise through the wind are reminiscent of the far east and I can picture a temple upon the cliffs as the music settles and you slowly drift towards the shoreline. Whereas the next track ‘C ov Bioluminescence’ begins with more of a darker drone that lightens as you move through the piece as if you have reached said temple by nightfall and are looking back upon the ocean.

The album continues with the ‘Bamboo Windsong Mix’ of the title track a 20 minute journey of ambient tones and bamboo flutes that place you in a state of relaxation where those contemplative nuances really come into play. The approach to the next track ‘Chroma Sunset’ differs somewhat to the previous 3 in the sense there is more melody and less of an ambient drone. Although it’s a shorter piece I find there’s an appealing beauty that initially sets me in mind of Vangelis then as the loops are introduced Tangerine Dream springs to mind.


The final piece ‘Rain Temple’ reminds you once again that the natural environment changes, while the analogue synth sounds are very reminiscent of the 80’s (I suppose once again Tangerine Dream) Gregory employs them perfectly to gently guide you to the end of your journey.

Review by Woodzee

Links

https://biomemusic.bandcamp.com/releases

Andrew Heath 'Evenfall' Review

Artist: Andrew Heath

Title: Evenfall

Label: Disco Gecko Recordings

Released: 21^st Sept 2018

Andrew returns with another release of pieces where you can immerse yourself into deep ambience with lingering tones, occasional gongs, field recordings and minimal piano. If you enjoyed his previous releases then this doesn’t disappoint. However, if you’re unfamiliar with his work then don’t expect any beat orientated tracks like some of the fellow artists on the label, this really suits meditative alone time or simply lying back in a hammock or sinking into the sofa.

As you would probably imagine with releases of this nature many of the tracks are long, some reaching around the 15 minute mark and the changes both within and between the tracks are subtle and at times beautiful. It’s the kind of album where I find it hard to pick a favourite but if the mood strikes me it’s the journey throughout the album where the appeal lies.

For those who wish to immerse their minds into the live experience Andrew is launching the album with two gigs one in London on Friday 21st at The Old Church in Stoke Newington, alongside label head honcho Toby Marks (Banco De Gaia) and in Stroud on Friday 28th at The Museum in the Park. Whether you opt for the album, the show or both … dive deep and enjoy this wonderful music until you emerge fulfilled and relaxed at the other side.

Reviewed by Woodzee

Links

http://www.andrewheath.co.uk/

http://www.discogecko.com/

https://www.facebook.com/events/841622989346201/