Mokira — FFT POP

It’s already the fourth releases for Andreas Tilliander under the Mokira alias.  And his 17th, all projects combined. I’m not even taking his various works as producer into account. Impressive record for the Swede, especially given the general quality of his music.

After labels such as Raster-Noton, Mille Plateaux and Type Records, it’s Cubic Fabric who releases this new album. Cubic Fabric is a label devoted to electro-acoustic music and is somewhat linked to Keiichi Sugimoto, one of the musicians that we reviewed the most here (Minamo, Fourcolor, Fonica…). It’s good to see that his label is getting some recognition too.

FFT POP is… pop. Well of course, it’s bit to “difficult” or “brainy” to take if you’re a straight-up rock fan, but with a little effort it’s actually quite accessible. In fact, Tilliander says that his work is an homage to My Bloody Valentine (well, it’s probably the band that gets the most namechecks nowadays, how long will it last?). This is pop that doesn’t indulge in pop / song structures, favouring gradual, vaporous music. It’s very glitchy, but never aggressive. Not unlike Aoki Takamasa, Tilliander manages to bring the pop and the melody out of the glitches, drones and clicks-and-cuts. It’s not an easy feat, but when it succeeds, it’s incredibly rewarding.

And, well, to be fair, you get your fair share of rewards on this album, but never as much as on Tsuki no kioku. This song features music and vocals by Piana (for those not in the know, browse our archive for a review of her fabulous ep). Her voice is as peculiar and touching as it was last year, and the combination of her glitchy pop and Tilliander’s poppy glitch is fabulous.