Once again I find myself exposed to an artist capable of channeling the best parts of works and techniques I have known and loved throughout the years. I’d like to put my finger on the pulse of this album but I just can’t, there’s so many good musical memories being dragged up and hard as it is to separate them, each one is as good as the last.
If like me you live in Europe you’ll no doubt realise that it’s a complete scorcher at the moment—and Touched Music has just the thing for the sunny vibes courtesy of Milieu (aka Brian Grainger). Sunbather’s Pharmacopeia Volume 1 may not cool you down but it will certainly make you cool.
It’s a strong opening from “Tropic Casanova”—like bringing out a long lost childhood Casio from the cupboard that can’t wait to let its rhythms loose. Throw in a rich hook that reminds me of the summers of my teenage years and you’ve got something very AIR and very enjoyable. Even the most hardcore of downtempo fans will be drooling in the heat, not least in part to pieces like “Stained Brown Pages” with its pulsing vibrato and fashionable transitions aplenty as “Coastline” slows the pace of your day whether you want it to or not.
There’s good variety here but Milieu always stays on point, he’s consistent with his rhythm and tempo and there’s no unpleasant surprises to be had, even if “Ultraviolet Impressions” ups the speed a bit and pieces like “Sage Derby” inject a bit of funk into the proceedings. As always I find some favourites like “Capricorn”—a cerebral track that displays simplicity at its best. “Sunlite Sound” pleases in a way that makes me want to leave the office as soon as I get there and just enjoy the outdoors.
Once again I find myself exposed to an artist capable of channeling the best parts of works and techniques I have known and loved throughout the years. I’d like to put my finger on the pulse of this album but I just can’t, there’s so many good musical memories being dragged up and hard as it is to separate them, each one is as good as the last. Thanks Touched Music, you’ve sorted out my playlist once again.
Sunbather’s Pharmacopeia Volume 1 is available on Touched Music.
