The finer details of the recordings shine through, with absolutely nothing lost in a mix, or hidden beyond obscurity. The retro science fiction inspired excursion of every track has its own touching presence, and, not only that, it leaves a dense, trance like, vapor trail thereafter.
[Listen | Purchase] Musician Luis Fernandes goes under the moniker of The Astroboy, and has somewhat excelled in creating a release that features a very definite retro/futuristic appeal.
The fact it’s available as a Limited Edition Cassette, is certainly a quirky touch to bring home a retro styling, and add that very warm flavor that existed back in the days of analogue. If I’m honest, the fact this was released on cassette left me somewhat intrigued as to what might be in the offering here. In reality, it’s a shiny gift that has a certain unique individuality stamped all over it.
As you might imagine, some very old school bleeps, so precise and sharp, are sure to be found here. You wouldn’t be wrong, and this is exactly the case with “Coordination Sphere.” There’s no end to the sheer intensity of this opener, and all its accompanying parts, from the swell of atmospheric background to the deepest darkest representation, all very synonymous with its apparent Science Fiction storyline. It’s certainly one to be getting acquainted with, building gradually, until the subtle overlays pan out, eventually emerging naked towards the end of the track.
The subdued, more affectionate “The Voight Score” is a damp mist of ongoing activity. There’s a sampling of each and every step, in equal delicate measure, incorporating a surprising twist to the musical story that is so poignantly expressed here. The quiet ship air horn opening to “Glow,” is both calm and serene to begin with, the midway zone then producing hits of guitar like sounds that call out, producing a melodic interchange with the background of fuzz and swell – chopping and changing like an ocean, but with gentle focus. The old school buzz of darker, space station eccentricity becomes busy and droid like with “Radioisotopes.” Its active pulse maintains the track’s rhythm, carrying its dark cravings. Such desires trace back to the delights of the engine room with “Cliffs” – a power station of deepest creativity, and an experiment that eventually finds its true life force. Eventually, we experience the finest landscape on this particular journey; that is “The Voight Score (:papercutz Rework).” The track is furnished with shadows of electric guitar. The piano work is so beautifully expressive; so effortlessly pure, all of which combined, offer up a superb concluding piece to the whole album.
Overall, the sounds of The Chromium Fence certainly support the vision, and are all of rich density. The finer details of the recordings shine through, with absolutely nothing lost in a mix, or hidden beyond obscurity. The retro science fiction inspired excursion of every track has its own touching presence, and, not only that, it leaves a dense, trance like, vapor trail thereafter.
The Chromium Fence is out now on PAD. [Listen | Purchase]
The Chromium Fence (sampler) by The Astroboy
