This 14-track is the holiday we are all dreaming of—encapsulating the vibe of Boards of Canada, with Lemon Jelly production, spun into a modern instrumentals ensemble like that of Clams Casinos. Seek the journey you desire for yourself.
A journey of synesthesia
With an impressive back-catalog including releases on Central Processing Unit, WéMè, and Breakin’—Paul Blackford is well versed in putting out music of a high caliber. In his forthcoming Sunset Gradients on Vancouver-based label Woodwork, the English producer has delivered the summer rays for all, whilst proving again he is a purveyor of electro/hip-hop beat making.
Throughout there is an overall sense that this is a journey of synesthesia, as each tracks color washes over you, taking you on a vibrant trip that is not quite psychedelic, but certainly a micro-dose of sorts. The first quarter of Sunset Gradients sets you in a fairly indubious position as we glide through various beach blends, up until we hit my personal selection “Krueger,” with its sublime switch-up in tone that carries a humidity like that of late summer nights, heightening the nerves for satisfying that electro head-bop.
Continuing into the second half of the album, it almost becomes baffling that Paul has produced what feels like a endless count of seamless melodic beauties. Each track carries its own personality with a succinct expression that makes every composition feel original and cohesive. Another selection of note is “Yes Mate” that sends the grains of sand from this fantasy beach of Paul’s into an anti-gravity mode for cosmic star gazing. The vocal chop giving a hint of self-celebratory gratification and rightfully so!
This 14-track is the holiday we are all dreaming of—encapsulating the vibe of Boards of Canada, with Lemon Jelly production, spun into a modern instrumentals ensemble like that of Clams Casino. Seek the journey you desire for yourself.
Sunset Gradients is available on Woodwork August 6, 2021 and pre-orders are open. [Bandcamp]
