Neud Photo makes Simulations seem effortless; the tracks ebb and flow masking the intricacies of Nightingale’s vintage synthesizer arsenal.
Neud Photo, aka Nico Nightingale, is an artist who seems to be releasing back to front. The young New Yorker has been serving up his own brand of minimal synth infused electro on labels like Living Tapes and Pylon. But, three albums down there isn’t an EP to mention. 2012 and it’s time for a 12”, Simulations. White vinyl, pink label and four tracks. So what’s this long awaited EP about?
The title track gets the show on the road. Crisp beats set the scene before synthesizer swans land. Delicate key taps flutter and dance with analogue reverberations rumbling next to complex melodies. There’s an electro disco aspect glowing in the backdrop, one that continues to shine through on “Comrades of Time.”Neud Photo meanders his synths through a web of sounds for this multifaceted piece. The antiquated Arp of “Collection House” has aspects of Bernard Fevre’s cosmic excursions. Somewhat unsettling, somewhat soundtrack, ultimately a vivid synthscape. “Earth Tones” finishes off Neud Photo’s latest foray. A parred back piece of synth as aperitif. The track is subtle and considered. A deep and textured number to close.
Mr Nightingale has achieved something quite difficult for his first EP. The entire 12” has a wonderful musical quality, being extremely fluid whilst managing to tether parts of itself to a floor sound. Not something easily accomplished. The quartet dished up work for the DJ minded, for the electronics enthusiast, and all in between. Neud Photo makes Simulations seem effortless; the tracks ebb and flow masking the intricacies of Nightingale’s vintage synthesizer arsenal. A well rounded, and in parts mesmerizing, record.
Simulations is available on Pylon.
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