Sunday, January 29, 2017

Presenting ... Retrospective (waag_rrl005) by Delicate Apparatus



If anyone deserves a retrospective it is Chris Newman aka Delicate Apparatus. I’ve been eager to release something of his on weareallghosts ever since I heard his reworking of Cousin Silas's “In one corner of the sky”, the first track of the first album released on waag. I am delighted to feature on Newman’s reworking on this compilation along with a wide and varied selection of his music.

I find Newman’s work reminds me of Vangelis and, in particular, his seminal soundtrack to Blade Runner. Maybe it’s just me, I am known for my obsession with this soundtrack, but I really like the floaty nature of Newman’s music and see parallels that possibly others won’t. Regardless of comparison, I have throughly enjoyed getting to know the pieces contained within this selection and am proud to bring them to the waag audience.

There is real variety on display within this retrospective … from short, expressive synth ideas to deeper, longform dark ambient pieces … and it is in this variety that Newman’s talent is acknowledged.

Thanks to the support of Cousin Silas and Warren Daly … and the wonderful waag community ... I’m proud to be able to offer a 320kbps version of this release for free over on Archive with a lossless version available on Bandcamp for ‘pay what you want’.

I really hope you will enjoy this retrospective of Chris Newman’s work as much as I do.

- Thomas






Sunday, January 8, 2017

Presenting ... Oblique (waag_rel095) by Matthew VandenBrook


Oblique, the latest release by Matthew VandenBrook on weareallghosts, is a fully immersive and adventurous journey ... from the opening atmospherics of "An evolution of the path" to the closing piano of "The Transcience of Beautiful Things" ... the listener is bathed in exotic, otherworldly ambience that enthrals and engages. 

VandenBrook's use of sound is remarkable ... I have always thought this but he really has confirmed it on Oblique ... the quirky notes and electronic patterns that create engaging atmospheres, the drones that bathe the listener in light, the sounds that entertain; Oblique truly is a delight. 

I really hope there is more Matthew VandenBrook in waag's future. I love his music and have throughly enjoyed what he has released through this little netlabel.

Thanks to the support of Cousin Silas and Warren Daly … and the wonderful waag community ... I’m proud to be able to offer a 320kbps version of this release for free over on Archive with a lossless version available on Bandcamp for ‘pay what you want’.

I really hope you will enjoy Oblique as much as I do.

- Thomas




Monday, January 2, 2017

Presenting ... Recrudescence (waag_rel094) by Cousin Silas



According to the dictionary, recrudescence means ... "breaking out afresh or into renewed activity; revival or reappearance in active existence" ... and it is a fitting albeit tongue-tying title for a collection of music by Cousin Silas that he himself has remixed, rearranged and revived. 

Recrudescence means to reopen and make raw again as in to reopen a wound. I see this more as a potter remoulding their clay, reshaping it, reusing it as they see fit. Silas is the potter and his music is his clay.

Our favourite Cousin has reworked his original soundscapes (the exact ones he will not divulge to me) and created something wonderfully fresh and new that will bring delight to all who take a listen.

Recrudescence has eight parts of varying length - from seven minutes to over eleven - and at no point is the source material is identified. This ensures a new experience for even the most avid of listeners. I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Thanks to the support of Cousin Silas and Warren Daly … and the wonderful waag community ... I’m proud to be able to offer a 320kbps version of this release for free over on Archive with a lossless version available over on Bandcamp for ‘pay what you want’.

I really hope you will enjoy Recrudescence as much as I do.

- Thomas