(01.10.06) Of the Nature Tone is the debut album from Barry Leake in the guise of Weave. Cactus Island, like its contemporaries Expanding and Neo Ouija maintain a steady but consistent output with a watchful eye on quality and design. All three labels release albums of smooth melodic beat infused electronic music from artists both known and unknown. Weave falls into the second category but with Cactus Island keeping an eye on things, everything is in good hands.
From the outset, Leake’s tracks highlight a keen eye for melody, infusing gentle piano keys with crackling electronics. Add to this some vaguely jazzy bass and the result is a careful mix of atmosphere and precise bassy rhythm. “Minera” – dedicated to the late DJ John Peel – is particularly accomplished, taking melancholic melodies and setting them against a thoughtful flowing atmosphere. “Medeva” continues the theme, fusing melodies that sit between music-box chimes and Kraftwerkian precision with smooth refined beat patterns. Both the mood and the pace shift with “Lux Natura,” the melodies are still there but an entirely more upbeat and energetic funky jazz theme takes hold at about the halfway mark and continues into “Upwards” and on to “Darkcharge”. This side of Leake’s music could be described as Hawaiian, jazzy, carnival, 70’s TV theme or funk influenced but is undeniably uplifting and infectiously optimistic. Returning to earlier form with “Unky,” he then experiments with guitar sounds on the fittingly titled “As My Guitar Gently Rots” before trying his hand at dub with “Spring” and slightly odd futuristic bassy dub on album closer “Purge.”
Leake takes the listener on an interesting trip, starting with serene melodic atmospheres, through uplifting euphoria and on to darker, more experimental pieces. Showcasing a range of styles and approaches, all within the scope of considered electronic composition, Leake explores different sounds, moods and auras whilst maintaining his stylistic identity.
Of The Nature Tone is out now on Cactus Island.
