Solo Adata,Seaworthy & Taylor Deupree — Live in Melbourne
Though it’s a live album recorded at Northcote Social club in Melbourne April last year you’d hardly know it as the recording is studio perfect really, with no real crowd sound. Each artist presents a 15 to 20 minute piece which is mainly improvised and new material, sometimes taking elements from past material as a starting point for new sonic adventures. First off we have a track from new 12k artists Solo Andata who for manipulates a mix of piano, stringed instruments, bell like tones & field recordings along subtle electronic elements into a rich often jerking but always enchanting and melodic Continuous ambient sound flow – It’s the first of heard of this artist and they certainly fit nicely into the 12k sound, yet offer there own distinct turn on it.
Next up is the Seaworthy track which takes elements from thier 12k album map in hand as a start pointing to pull new works out from. They really do build a breathing taking mellow and soothing track that’s the highlight of the whole release for me. Built around their leisurely honey licked yet complex and melodic unfolding guitar harmonics, warming ambient tones and very subtle use of electronics and field recordings. The track well and truly sucks you in surrounding you in its lush, hypnotic sonic grip for its whole playing time- really something very special indeed.
Lastly we have a track from Taylor Deupree 12k label owner and well respected ambient electronica artists in his own right. The Deupree track is a lot more hazy and dreamy than the first two tracks, acoustic instrumental elements are discernable but they drift more in a smoothed ambient drift, it feels more electronic but not in any jarring or cold way. There’s also a greater use of looped but subtle almost rhythmic elements that flow back and forth- again another very enjoyable track- that if you’re not already completely and utterly mellows you out.
One of the most approachable and non fan based live recordings your likely to come across- ideal as a indroduction to the 12k sound or as a very worthwild edtion to fans of the labels collection. Sadly only ltd to 500- so I suggest you act quick and don’t let this soothing and rewarding hours worth of sonic joy slip out of your hands.