PanAmerican Quiet City
Karnky Records krank065 2004
By Russell Garwood
Emotional electronica. Theres not enough of that around. All too often you seem to have a cold cynicism driving the music; a feeling of mass-production or false integrity. Which is why PanAmericans latest is a welcome addition to my collection. The occasionally organic, yet undeniably computer-orientated music is a memorable dose of minimalistic-yet-heartfelt ambient. Drones and white noise create as framework expanded upon by quiet guitars, occasional piano, and brass, completed by fragile singing. This is all the work of Mark Nelson, who is, on this release, joined by Sinister Luck Ensembles Charles Kim (upright bass, drums, trumpet, flugelhorn). The drums are sporadic, and slow, yet effective, as is the prominent bass.
This all makes for a very enjoyable and rather unusual release. My favourite aspect of Quiet City is a dreamy feel brought about by borderless soundscapes. Subtle and slow development makes for more interesting listening, but the swirling melodies and ebbing tones are enough to keep the listener occupied. Standout has to be track seven, Retouch, for its interwoven keyboards and well placed and surprisingly fitting trumpets. Pianos add further character to the layered composition. Fans of Lykantropen Themes/Svidd Neger era Ulver are likely to appreciate this greatly, as well as fans of atmospheric electronica in general. If you are into this kind of music, PanAmerican should be a welcome addition to your CD collection.
8/10
Official PanAmerican label page
Official Kranky website
Karnky Records krank065 2004
By Russell Garwood
Emotional electronica. Theres not enough of that around. All too often you seem to have a cold cynicism driving the music; a feeling of mass-production or false integrity. Which is why PanAmericans latest is a welcome addition to my collection. The occasionally organic, yet undeniably computer-orientated music is a memorable dose of minimalistic-yet-heartfelt ambient. Drones and white noise create as framework expanded upon by quiet guitars, occasional piano, and brass, completed by fragile singing. This is all the work of Mark Nelson, who is, on this release, joined by Sinister Luck Ensembles Charles Kim (upright bass, drums, trumpet, flugelhorn). The drums are sporadic, and slow, yet effective, as is the prominent bass.
This all makes for a very enjoyable and rather unusual release. My favourite aspect of Quiet City is a dreamy feel brought about by borderless soundscapes. Subtle and slow development makes for more interesting listening, but the swirling melodies and ebbing tones are enough to keep the listener occupied. Standout has to be track seven, Retouch, for its interwoven keyboards and well placed and surprisingly fitting trumpets. Pianos add further character to the layered composition. Fans of Lykantropen Themes/Svidd Neger era Ulver are likely to appreciate this greatly, as well as fans of atmospheric electronica in general. If you are into this kind of music, PanAmerican should be a welcome addition to your CD collection.
8/10
Official PanAmerican label page
Official Kranky website
