Matthew Arnold’s sound has changed since his Toytronic days, although not drastically. The tender melodies of the past remain, the lightness of touch, with innovations in musical design, allowing for greater experimentation. Soft and yielding music born from a focal point of reflection.
A crackling bed of beats in a dreamy electronic syrup
Toytronic is a record label that hold a special place in many hearts. The music of Martin Haidinger, as Abfahrt Hinwil, Gimmik, Num Num and more, was central, but there were other musical discoveries on that trend-setting imprint. One was Matthew Arnold, better known as Mr. Projectile. His Pug Times LP was released twenty-one years ago, and also saw a re-release on L50 recently. Arnold continued to make music, his style shifting while remaining true to the electronica canon. Luna, a sub-label of Wex Records, has had their ear on the Mr. Projectile project for some time now and are delighted to introduce Slow Motion Hailstorm.
A haze of computerized echo and reverb characterizes the opener, the fizzing pops and dubby rasps of “Chicago.” “Crazy Baby” follows and you’re immediately transported back to the Mr. Projectile sound of Toytronic. Sweet lullaby-like keys float above a crackling bed of beats in a dreamy electronic syrup. “18 Amy” has that same fragility to it, ephemeral tones processed across breathy samples. Tracks are generally short; mostly around the three-minute mark. This allows for a very specific focus, the lonesome piano play of “Something Somewhere” or the droning distant melody of “Stuff.” “First Avenue” is one of the longest pieces of the record and dares to explore more. Innocent keys are menaced by broken rhythms as sparkling synth-lines cascade to shimmering computer glass. “Poop” is another track beyond the four-minute mark. Shuffling, staggering percussion gives the piece quite a frenetic feel. Yet, below this clicking cacophony lurk delicate strings and a layer of depth. And this is what again and again comes to the fore with the album, an expression growing from understated elements.
Matthew Arnold’s sound has changed since his Toytronic days, although not drastically. The tender melodies of the past remain, the lightness of touch, with innovations in musical design, allowing for greater experimentation. Soft and yielding music born from a focal point of reflection.
Slow Motion Hailstorm is available on La Luna / Wex. [Bandcamp]
