(01.12.07) Since their inception in 1999, Sleepy Town Manufacture – otherwise known
as Russian Alexander Ananyev – has 4 albums and more than 10 virtual
singles to his name and also holds the distinction of being the only
artist to appear on all of the Sutemos label’s compilations including
the recent Sutemos Live EP. Occasionally joined by fellow Sleepy Town
Manufacture co-founder Anton Lukoyanychev, Ananyev delivers his fourth
album, Inspired by You, this time including some songs for the first time.
Past experience shows that previous attempts by electronic artists to
introduce traditional song structures to their music have generally
resulted in less than impressive outcomes but Ananyev’s efforts are more
successful. This is largely down to his choice of vocalist; right from
the start with album opener “Komnata” and “Long Time No See” he utilizes
female vocals in just the right amount to make things interesting
without relying purely on the song format. The same vocalist returns on
“O Nei,” which includes a slightly odd vocal effect which gives it a
futuristic slant. In comparison, “Let A” is one of the slower tracks on
the album and is entirely more contemplative in tone featuring a dubby
bassline and slow electric guitar meanderings. Ananyev heads into
glitchier territory with “So Soft” which also features a male vocal
(possibly Ananyev himself?) not dissimilar to synthpop protagonists
De/Vision et al. “Like A Wind” is interesting in its use of field
recordings, mournful strings and melodic electronics that contrast each
other in mood from downbeat to optimistic and back again. Closing the
album is “Owen,” a track that is initially quite energetic and insistent
but dissipates as the album reaches its close.
Stylistically, Inspired by You is quite diverse. Extensively a melodic
electronic album, Ananyev commonly adds some digital flourishes and beat
patterns to keep the energy levels up. His music also never seems to
want to stay still, mutating subtly all the time.
Inspired by You is out now on Sutemos.net.
