The two pieces are comfortable, inviting listens that shape electronic synth leads and brushed snares into an engaging soundtrack to daily life, whether that be studying, working, or any other intellectual pursuit.
In listening to Mantis and Komerebi, the two new singles from Dan McRae (Thin Films), I was curious if they would be something that cuts against the grain of his former work, and really highlight an aesthetic transformation on the part of the artist, something new, as though Dan had had a lightning strike while walking through his Southampton neighborhood and suddenly had a completely new musical vision pulsing through his brain.
In some ways, these two new singles are precisely that: a move away from the orchestral style of Dan’s former work towards a more beat oriented, tracky structure. The two pieces are comfortable, inviting listens that shape electronic synth leads and brushed snares into an engaging soundtrack to daily life, whether that be studying, working, or any other intellectual pursuit.
“Mantis,” of the two tracks on the Komerebi single, is the one that strikes me as more of the soundtrack song, to an invented movie, perhaps towards the beginning as we watch clouds drift across a clear blue sky. While it has an awkward synth melody towards the end, that quickly becomes enveloped into the rest of the song, but doesn’t altogether work tonally. The beginning of the song is quite good listening, mellow and flowing with lush keys. There is a distinct Boards of Canada vibe to both these songs which are recommended listening if you are a fan of the Scottish duo, especially their more down-key, ambient work.
“Komerebi,” however, is the stand out track. Featuring a washed out piano and melancholy tune that transcends in to a major key towards the coda this is good listening for a rainy day.
My one qualm with this release is its length. I look forward to hearing an album length release from Thin Films, these two tracks whet the appetite for more. It is good to hear McRae releasing music again after a lengthy hiatus.
Both releases are available on Thin Recordings.
