Chris Leary operates his melody infused musical machines under the Ochre alias, and if you haven’t heard of him before, be prepared to learn more about this electronic producer as time moves on. With upcoming contributions on Rednetic Recordings and Toytronic (quite fitting), Ochre has been composing delicate electronic extractions for the past four years and is finally being recognized.
On the debut label release for Repeat Music, Ochre’s Sound System Bangers Vol. 1 highlights the relationship between harmony and abstraction without veering too far into sonically complex territory. Instead, Ochre places sweet melodies next to chiseled beats. For example, the opening track, “Low Grav Freefall,” is a blend of Gimmik styled percussion soldered to waves of symphonic 8-bit electronics (watch out for the “High Altitude Mix” of this track on Toytronic Records). It would be difficult not to mention the Autechre similarities on “Bipolar Bears” –crisp, LP5 styled rhythms manifest themselves with syncopated precision; an engaging gem. Up next is the ever colorful ambient-electronic beauty of “Picobits.” The shiny outer shell of digital trickery unfolds onto the ears with rolling beats, integrated melody-work and a sincere rhythmic approach. “Childern Playing with Lego” inspires a Boards of Canada introduction of atmospheric dust until it unleashes an array of phaser like Atari-beats and stretched emotional memories –a vocodered break spelling the word “O.C.H.R.E” makes a subtle appearance near the end of this tune that wistfully fades away. The ending of this 27-minute 12″/CD-EP concludes with “Esign;” blending layered ambiences next to analog tweaks and weaving Novel 23 styled melodies.
Fans of melody-enriched electronics will certainly enjoy Ochre’s debut EP. Swimming in an ocean of musicians striving to present their sound to the world, Ochre creates more than just a mere ripple in the wave of experimental electronics. Sound System Bangers Vol. 1 is a breathtaking, if not emotional piece of work that rattles the senses.
Sound System Bangers Vol. 1 is OUT NOW on Repeat Music.
- Repeat Music
- Ochre Website
