Loscil First Narrows
Kranky krank069 May10th 2004
By Russell Garwood
Listening to Loscils lush ambient is a stark contrast to the thunder-storm currently raging outside my window. The laid back beats, dream-inducing synths and surging atmospheres of the last album Submers, have remained. A new addition to Scott Morgans one man project, however, is live instrumentation. Fender rhodes courtesy of Jason Zumpano, guitars from Tim Loewen, and Nyla Ranys cello all fit perfectly in a more substantial sound than previously seen from this entity. The keyboards are now less drone and tone orientated, instead forming chords and more rhythmic sequences, while the live instruments introduce a welcome organic feel. There has been little change in the structure and development of each piece; often an initial phrase/melody is expanded upon, with different instruments and complexities being introduced, and then gradually changing or being replacing one another. This makes for pleasantly meandering compositions, united by a single theme.
First Narrows comes highly recommended. It shows great development from Submers, and is also more accessible than its predecessor. Rather than falling into the trap that many ambient acts do, of being minimalistic to the point of having no substance, Loscil has managed to create a recording with affecting atmospheres, and as is so important in ambient the ability to carry you off in the gently changing moods. Yet it also has a tangible structure, catchy melodies, and substance. Warm music for darkness, this is a must for ambient fans, yet may also find a following from lovers of more upbeat, substantial dance.
Official Loscil website
Official Kranky website
Kranky krank069 May10th 2004
By Russell Garwood
Listening to Loscils lush ambient is a stark contrast to the thunder-storm currently raging outside my window. The laid back beats, dream-inducing synths and surging atmospheres of the last album Submers, have remained. A new addition to Scott Morgans one man project, however, is live instrumentation. Fender rhodes courtesy of Jason Zumpano, guitars from Tim Loewen, and Nyla Ranys cello all fit perfectly in a more substantial sound than previously seen from this entity. The keyboards are now less drone and tone orientated, instead forming chords and more rhythmic sequences, while the live instruments introduce a welcome organic feel. There has been little change in the structure and development of each piece; often an initial phrase/melody is expanded upon, with different instruments and complexities being introduced, and then gradually changing or being replacing one another. This makes for pleasantly meandering compositions, united by a single theme.
First Narrows comes highly recommended. It shows great development from Submers, and is also more accessible than its predecessor. Rather than falling into the trap that many ambient acts do, of being minimalistic to the point of having no substance, Loscil has managed to create a recording with affecting atmospheres, and as is so important in ambient the ability to carry you off in the gently changing moods. Yet it also has a tangible structure, catchy melodies, and substance. Warm music for darkness, this is a must for ambient fans, yet may also find a following from lovers of more upbeat, substantial dance.
Official Loscil website
Official Kranky website
