Morpheus Music
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
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Posted : Oct 28, 2011 12:29:39
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STYLE
Ethereal downtempo IDM electronica.
Universal Automation ranges naturally across a broad spectrum of instrumental electronica, tracks connected by a blissful, dreaminess that floats above a variety of intricate, sinewy programmed beats. Melodic material appears on the surface to be simple and unhurried; synthetic intertwined tones, chimes and brief pads. Often the beats work somewhere between contrast and sympathy; in places strong and urgent, almost heavy; next light and lazy, trickling along with the themes; then dissipated, dropping away to nothingness. The percussive aspect of the music calls to mind releases from the excellent Sutemos catalogue: blips and glitch flecks working among 'real' drum sounds and various digital FX. There are voices in varying degrees of prominence scattered through the tracks, some faint and manipulated into obscurity, others fleeting snatches or used instrumentally; on Happy Hollow the reverberating vocals of Marcio Alvarado are given centre stage - clear lyrics, wistful tone.
IN DEPTH
This is a melodically strong album; very beautiful in places - ethereal phrases and complementary harmonic touches often drifting in lazy curves like coloured smoke from an extinguished candle. The sonic colour is rich and saturated, which, when combined with the hypnotic meandering nature of the music makes for a very evocative, transporting headphones experience. That said, much of the material here is rhythmic enough to command a dance floor or sufficiently dynamic to demand complete attention. The opening track Malavek's Movement fades in from silence: a fractured, ponderous glitchy beat and shifting dronescape - haunting and enigmatic. The next track sees the pace pick up, a little the music warm and tranquil. Conversant Dilemma follows with the most sleepy and sublimely beautiful piece of the album. The intensity gathers around the midpoint, building to a blunt crescendo. The final third returns to downtempo serenity heading inexorably toward the uneasy, soporific space of Just A Glimpse.
ARTWORK
The physical version of Universal Automation arrives in a jewel case with two panel insert. Front cover artwork places the viewer in an elevated position, as if gazing down weightless from an easy height. A single figure in silhouette looks up, enshrouded in effulgent light patterns - star points dots the background and the darkness within the figure. Track titles are on the opposing face of the insert and on the rear cover; technical details, credits and websites also on these panels in small font. The inner panels of the insert feature a large disc framing a purple line drawing of a cross-legged figure, its six arms frozen in multiple significant gestures. To the left is the verse Universal Automation by Andrew Blunt footed by credits and contacts. The right side holds generous paragraphs of thanks and shoutouts.
OVERALL
Aligning Minds is the joint project of US based producers Daniel Merrill and Michael Folk. The duo have a history of live performance as well as collaborative and remix experience that explains the incredibly high standard of this debut album. Released via the Beats and Pieces Records label, Universal Automation delivers eleven mid-length tracks that "fuses elements of downtempo, dubstep, breakbeat and IDM, but without the need for formulaic restrictions". A most enjoyable album with broad appeal, balancing just the right amount of light and darkness, exploring sufficient musical genres without losing clear focus. You can dig deeper by visiting the Beats and Pieces website where there are sound samples for each track. The band also has a Myspace page where you can discover some of their compilation appearances over recent years.
  MORPHEUS MUSIC
www.morpheusmusic.co.uk
ELECTRONIC MUSIC MALL
http://www.electronicmusicmall.com |
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