2014 release from the synth-based side project from Labradford's Mark Nelson and Robert Donne, and virtuoso percussionist Steven Hess. All three names should be familiar with anyone who's spent any time leafing through the Kranky back catalogue. Hess and Nelson worked together on the crucial Pan American recordings, and Donne recorded as Aix Em Klemm with Stars of the Lid's Adam Wiltzie, as well as recording crucial work as Cristal. Now the three have joined forces to create a refined record of digital and analog synth processing, accented by Steven Hess's percussive backbone.
P**R
Classic ambient updated for 2014
"Anjou" is the debut album of the electronic duo Mark Nelson and Robert Donne, who in a former life were band mates in Labradford. (At times they are joined by a third musician, Steven Hess, on drums and percussion)."Anjou" (8 tracks; 48 min.) kicks off with a whirling "Lamptest", setting the stage for the 8 min. "Sighting", a pure ambient tune that would not be out of place on a Brian Eno ambient album from the 70s or 80s. After a short interlude "Specimen Question", we dive into another monster-size tune, the Side A closing 8 min. "Readings", with no melody to speak of, just moods and abstract soundscapes. I personally love it. Side B continues in the same vein as before, no big surprises or departures. "Inclosed" reminds me of early-Spacecraft output (such as their 1998 debut album). Same "space-ness", same coldness, same intrigue. The last highlight on here is the almost 9 min. "Backsight", which feels like a good capsule of the entire album.Bottom line: this is a fine ambient album, period. So glad I took a chance on this (I found it in the 'electronic' section of my public library's CD collection). I have no idea if these guys are taking this album on the road, but if they do, I'd love to see them as I'm thinking that in a live setting, these songs will sound quite a bit "heavier". I'll have to check on their touring dates. Meanwhile "Anjou" is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
L**.
Eerie, otherworldly Ambient album
What a treat this cd has turned out to be! I bought this not knowing a thing about Anjou and am so glad I did.For a quick description, this album is all instrumental consisting mostly of keyboards and various electronic sounds with percussion weaving in and out of the mix. In fact, it's the percussion that adds a nice touch to the overall mix. The atmosphere can be described as spacey, eerie, otherworldly and meditative. This takes me on a journey each time I listen to it. I couldn't help but think that this album would make a good soundtrack for a solitary, low-key space drama.My personal favorite track is "Inclosed." This song is absolutely mesmerizing.
G**S
un clásico de Kranky
No hay manera!!! un vinilo no es una caja de martillos, pero yo lo he recibido sin plastificar, y en una caja junto a alguno más.Un pedido-un disco
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