Franck Zaragoza has a long standing relationship with n5MD records, where he has released a steady stream of cinematic palettes of sound under his Ocoeur moniker. Focused, always immersive, visceral long-form ambient and electronica, Zaragoza has developed a back catalogue that has left his distinguished finger print on all that he touches.
’Glow’ from his sixth studio album ‘Everything’ (releasing Feb 28th) is a track rich in textured off-set rhythms and poised, fragile atmosphere. The opening melody with its deliberate plodding notation gives us a sense of innocence in motion, like a baby taking its first steps. We feel included in something tender but the presence of the glacial pads keeps us from drifting off entirely. Ninety seconds in, naturalistic percussion comes into play, adding some movement that brings us to a heightened sense of place and purpose, which Glow does very well. At it’s peak Glow elevates its sense of innocence to a place of powerful grace and while Zaragoza could have dramatized this easily- he doesn’t, instead he expresses his message with layered subtleties resulting in a pure and steady healing glow.
Pre-order the album over on Bandcamp
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Alaskan Tapes breaks hearts in 'The Times Are Tired'
Brady Kendall known also as Alaskan Tapes is a Canadian producer and composer based out of Toronto. Diving into his discography you are quickly submerged in a smorgasbord of soundscapes, plucked guitar and a host of lavish, atmospheric strings and synths that make up the body of his work; exploring the realms of ambient, drone and fragile electronica. Brady’s work can be heard on a variety of short films, and while Kendall has created some conventional songs, he seems mostly interested in the abstract; drawing you gently into the most intimate of spaces.
‘The Times Are Tired’ is no exception. The unmistakable sound of a sliding steel string of an electric guitar opens the track giving you a brief impression that we are about to settle into some raw vocal/guitar rendition. Instead delicate elements soften the steel strumming and elevating strings join to harmonize what I can only describe as a moment in music that embodies heat-break and loss. This is Alaskan Tapes at his best. While, if I am completely honest, I really wanted more from this piece. For me it ends too soon, it feels like I was introduced to the most beautiful of moments only to have it taken away. Whatever Brady’s intention, we are treated to something special if only for a fleeting moment.
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