Electronica
Album Review: FM R IZ – The Sheep & The Slaughter
Electronic music producer, Craig Caudill aka FM R IZ (pronounced “Ephemeris”) has been close to the world of letters, and surprisingly he is inspired by literary resources in order to create new melodies. Poetry is still his great passion but experimenting with art in different ways seems to be part of his life. I believe this is how FM R IZ brings forward all of his mind’s creativity. I can assure you his new album ‘The Sheep & The Slaughter’ is just that, experimental music that will satisfy those of you who are fans of Electronica, and more specifically, Ambient music.
Here we have 14 tracks in total, some of them were named interestingly, and what they shared in common is the cinematic flavor. Most of these songs feature a minimal stripped back instrumentation and no vocals, however, there are few exceptions. If you are ready to stream this album, I suggest you close your eyes and prepare yourself to explore a new sonic dimension.
► GRAB YOUR COPY (CLICK HERE)
Check out my track-by-track review below:
1 – Maripoza Translated into English as “butterfly”. The album opener is a little monotonous but magically it features hypnotic soundscapes, reducing the amount of tension in the human body.
2 – Who Is Watching You? You’ll notice mysterious pumps throughout this track, which are in effect related to the song’s title. You may feel this is a little bit dark.
3 – The Hunted FM R IZ creates a beauty eerie ambiance, and as a result of his experimentations the track has a really well spooky vibe.
4 – So Long Wave Indeed this is the album’s longest song. The most prominent elements are the delicate synth chords and the repetitive pounding beats.
5 – This Aeon An original production! I simply like the futuristic sound design it possesses. It could serve also as the theme for a Sci-Fi film.
6 – Topaz Frontier 2 If I’m not wrong, this is the only track that features vocals, but it sounds more like a dialogue from a space mission… Too much sound effects in my opinion but I think is an authentic track from the album.
7 – Offshore Accounts There’s a chord sound progression like in the rest of the tracks, but this one sounds a bit louder due to the uncontrolled use of beeps and other electronic rhythms.
8 – The Sheep & The Slaughter A rich electronic composition, where the persistent beats and creepy sounds will transport the listener to an industrial/ambient odyssey.
9 – A Flower Named Dagger I enjoyed the relaxing sound, FM R IZ definitely wants you to chill with this Downtempo gem.
10 – Faded Memory Stains I think this is the most Minimal track from the whole album, as there are just few Electronica elements that can be heard. It requires more dynamism in my opinion.
11 – Raw Sushi Bar Blended with industrial and tribal sounds, you might like this intriguing tune. I’m loving this now. 🙂
12 – A Paid Actor Loud synths vary from second to second, somewhat futuristic but at the same time noisy.
13 – Pure Air In A Can This is totally perfect! Again another great relaxing song, I don’t know why it reminds me of Vangelis’ Blade Runner soundtrack.
14 – Bonus Track: Wind Through Tall Grass Sometimes, I love to use my imagination while I listen to music, just visualize how the wind blows through the grass and experience the mental state of Nirvana thanks to the beautiful last song.
CONNECT WITH FM R IZ NOW!
Website
Facebook
Twitter
SoundCloud
Bandcamp
Matthew J Van Howe effectively experiments with electronic synths on his 12-track album, ‘Emergent Narrative’, bringing out nostalgic tones. The sonic journey through his unique compositions is deeply relaxing. At the same time, the whole material provides calm in these unprecedented times. If you’re a fan of yoga or meditation, his forward-thinking music will help you focus during your practice. It is beyond doubt, each song feels futuristic as well as timeless. Definitely, I would give this album, 5 stars due to the rich atmospherics. On the other hand, the producer invites you to close your eyes and connect with your own inner emotions or memories, this way you can get your own interpretation based on the listening experience of this magic record. ‘Emergent Narrative’ is now available to stream via Bandcamp and Spotify, give it try here!
CONNECT WITH MATTHEW J VAN HOWE NOW!
Reshaping the electronic music experience for the most curious listeners, KWON marks his arrival with ‘Collections’, an amazing 6-track EP via Moving Castle. Incredibly, the Los Angeles indie producer displays variety and originality in an integrated form. Without a doubt, he doesn’t follow trends, as this material is pretty authentic. Perhaps, its quality is more on the experimental side than the commercial stuff you’re used to listening to.
Moreover, the whole project took him 5-6 months to complete. If you think it’s time to redefine your music taste and explore creative artists like KWON, then press play below immediately. Just don’t be afraid to open your ears to a different sonic dimension. On “Smith”, the artist joined forces with Manila Killa and Ramzoid. I swear it is the catchiest one!
STREAM/DOWNLOADCONNECT WITH KWON NOW!
Get ready for a unique listening experience with “A Dispute” by Niya. I do not exaggerate when I say it will induce your mind into a bliss-like state. Moreover, these vibrations are turned into a brilliant sound due to its piano-based instrumental melody + electronic beats and textures. The artist behind the iconic tiger is quickly gaining traction with his compositions since he won the Alan Walker’s #Pressplay remix contest in 2019. Versatility is the best word to describe his music as he’s also into House, Big Room and Pop rhythms. On this occasion, he showcases his chill and mellow side as a producer. Press play below and get your own conclusions!
CONNECT WITH NIYA NOW!
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Arrows, they are a brand new Synthwave duo from Denver, Colorado. It is composed of Brennan Hales and Jordan Tanguma, who inject satisfaction in each track of their first full-length album, ‘After Hours’. Pay attention to their futuristic laid-back atmospherics accompanied by synthesizer-driven melodies. These artists step out of the comfort zone, by experimenting with chill and vintage elements too.
Moreover, nostalgic fans of 80s music will adore this material, as it is highly influenced by Duran Duran, New Order, Akira Yamaoka’s Silent Hill, and Dance With the Dead. Of course, it’s mainly instrumental in nature, with the exception of “Terrified”, featuring Savannah Jane’s extraordinary vocals. On a side note, this is just the beginning for Arrows, who will release a new EP in August 2020, venturing into a dark direction with his next songs. Stay tuned!
CONNECT WITH ARROWS NOW!
Newcomer producer savnko might be of your interest if you’re into underground music. He was instantly hooked by Electronica in his natal Italy as a teenager. Nowadays, he’s ready to launch his first debut EP, ‘Epic Arguments’. Basically, it’s a summary of atmospheres, and both bright and dark vibes experienced in his second home, the UK. He recreates all his feelings through ambient textures and subtle beats. Learn more below.
1 – How your perspective on music has changed since you moved to London?
When I started producing at the age of 14, my musical influences were mainly Techno from artists like Nina Kraviz, Riccardo Villalobos, etc.
When I moved to the UK at the age of 17, one of my roommates made me fond of vinyls which changed my prospect. I discovered many past and present artists I was not aware of.
Very soon I found myself totally immersed in this new world.
2 – Who were your childhood music heroes?
As a teen I used to listen to any kind of music, there was no Spotify or other sorts of streaming platforms where to get any music you want.
Coming from a small town on the outskirts of Milan, I had no possibility to visit music shops because they were far from my place, so the only thing I could do was to use emule, trying, out of thousands of titles, to find the audio track which sounded more similar to what I was looking for.
I remember I used to type the name of the artists which mostly captured my attention, from Kanye West to Motley Crue, they were some of my favorite.
3 – Are you musically influenced by them?
Sure, they are part of my various influences as well.
4 – Who taught you the art of producing electronica tracks?
As a boy, I used to DJ at school and friends’ parties. Once, a friend of mine showed me FL Studio and that was the first DAW I started working on, up to reaching my present level.
5 – What are some of your favorite studio plugins and tools that you can’t live without?
I have had for a couple of years a Korg prologue 16 and I am totally fond of it, but what I cannot do without is my TR08, the drum machine where my beats are from.
6 – Your new single “MUDBOY” feels so chill and dark. How is that possible?
“MUDBOY” is one of the songs I feel most in ‘Epic Arguments’ EP coming out on 14th March via Pitch the Noise.
My intention with this track is to put together all sensations and atmospheres I felt during my years in London.
There I was alone, with no parents and friends, I could reinvent myself, meet people with the same interests and passions and this leads me to have a dark sound even if you don’t have to consider it always as a synonymous of negativity.
7 – Are you willing to take this music direction on your next singles or something different?
I haven’t got a precise direction, I mainly try to flow with music and sensations I am feeling.
8 – Do you believe your style fits well with the video game or film industry?
I can say that I’d be surely happy to have cooperation generally in the arts field, making available my music for different kinds of ideas.
9 – Is it true that underground music sounds much better than mainstream? What’s your opinion about this dilemma?
I haven’t got a real opinion on the matter but I think every one of us has their own tastes which have to be respected,
10 – Finally, what excites you about the future of electronic music?
I like the mix of many genres and subgenres and the variety and interesting things that are coming out and the constant evolution in this world attract me more and more.
CONNECT WITH SAVNKO NOW!
-
Pop3 weeks agoThe Subtle Art Of Making Modern Pop Songs, Learn More About dezabel
-
Reggaeton5 months ago
Tired Of Maluma? Then Try Reykon’s Latin Music By Listening To “Perriando”
-
Dance2 months ago
What’s So Incredible About Fuller French’s “Champagne Rendezvous” Remix?
-
Electronica4 months ago
Electro Wow Guest Mix: Alex Messina
-
House4 months ago
Adam Davenport’s Latest “Hype” Is A New House Classic
-
News3 months ago
Electro Wow Music Awards 2019
-
Electro-Pop3 months ago
The 10 Best Electro-Pop Tracks Of The 2010s
-
Electro-Pop4 months ago
See New Fabulous Video Of NINA’s “Automatic Call”
