As a fan of Loscil for over a decade now, I was thoroughly excited to learn that a new album would be released this month (Kranky). Scott Morgan ably delivers, his production technique uncanny in its ability to layer emotionally-charged dub and ambient elements with subtle hints of techno. There’s a welcomed tendency for Loscil selections to devolve into bleakness and then, via dense textures and instrumentation, bring the listener abruptly back into the sunlight. Listen closely to discern familiar tones of pianos and vibraphones dancing about violins and vocals.
Most of the Sea Island compositions were road-tested at Morgan’s various live engagements, but a handful are fresh from the studio. Morgan teased the first track via the Kranky SoundCloud account in September, and followed with a YouTube video in early November.
I’m in love with this album and must highly recommend it to you. The way Sea Island lulls and haunts, with massive tonal structures that envelope and maintain a persistent grip until the shuddering end of its melancholy tale. I could listen to this album over and over, and I have.
I found a copy at Bleep and was, in the meantime, sated with a streaming version on Google Play.
Here are some thoughts regarding Sea Island from Brainwashed, FACT, Resident Advisor, and Tiny Mix Tapes.
