In a way Walk on Strawberries marks a shift in Simmons’ sound. The sound of the silver box is a central column of the 12”, but it takes a backseat as the Swedish musician explores other avenues.
There was a buzz around 030303‘s finding of Rolando Simmons. An unknown name and a musician of talent, one pursuing an organic, dare it be said squelchy, brand of braindance. His first EP was very well received, by myself included. Since then the Swede has been somewhat quiet, a tape on Caoutchou being the notable exception. Walk on Stawberries marks a welcome return to vinyl.
The free-for-all quality of the Rolando Simmons EP is sheathed, for a time. A different side to those bouncy 303 melodies is on show. The opener has an overcast countenance. Those autumnal shades that melt underfoot with the crunching drums and lush pads of “Quilting Song.” Soon warming acid rays return. The thaw comes with the emotion soaked lines of “Song of Susannah.” “Magick Machine” bends and twists. Samples are scrunched, balled into pleasing packets of knob noodling. The frenetic energy of the self titled EP is funneled into this EP. Itching, twitchy changes capped as the focus turns to soothing patterns in “Magick Crystal.” But that playful current is forever present, bubbling to the surface in whimsy of the title piece which ducks and dives between croaking rhythms and sweetened strings.
In a way Walk on Strawberries marks a shift in Simmons’ sound. The sound of the silver box is a central column of the 12”, but it takes a backseat as the Swedish musician explores other avenues. A new audio palette is introduced, one which develops that employed previously. An outing that is reflective, refined with just a touch of raucousness.
Walk on Strawberries is available on 030303.
