'LIN' - Bafta Shortlist

Wednesday, 26 Jan 2011 at 15:30 GMT, by SiteAdmin

Amazing News - 'Lin' the film that our 'Malfunction_Remix' is part of the soundtrack has been nominated for a Bafta - Best Short Film.

Trailer Here

Track chosen for a film soundtrack

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 at 15:30 GMT, by SiteAdmin

We are pleased to announce that we have had a track selected to be part of a soundtrack to a new film. The film is called 'LIN' and directed by Piers Thompson - Hector Films and is in post production at the mo - we'll be keeping you informed. Read more »

Entire Back Catalogue Online

Monday, 19 April 2010 at 20:30 GMT, by SiteAdmin

We are pleased to announce that seeing we reach an official decade of doing what we do we are putting out back catalogue online with a whole new website. We have also started on new material that follows on from the Alchemy and Smallfish releases and hope to have something new out this summer.

ALCHEMIX

Remix Tracks from our Alchemy Series

Alchemix is a chance for some of our fans and fellow artists to reconstruct a number of selected tracks from the Alchemy series. We have all the basic elements as .aiff files. Please reintrepret and submit back to us and we'll put the ones we like online with a chance that one day we will package up all the Alchemy Series with the accompying remixes and release officially - not sure what format yet. Read more »

skarfasker

skarfasker mp3

The first track in the Melur series follows on somewhat from the Alchemy Series with chiming guitars allowing space and echo to fill the track – elements of Vini Reilly and Steve Hilllage in the guitar lines.

grunn

grunn mp3

Taking the lead from the more restrained but noisy elements of mbv and mixing it with the deep subtlety of Loscil, grunn moves along with distorted melodic guitar and underlying walls of static noise

hreinn

hreinn mp3

From the initial wash of distorted guitars sounding like the chimes that Robin Guthrie would make Hreinn develops into a melodic yet mournful passage that is very reflective. The track has a very deep reverb based feel that often sounds like slowdive, seefeel or early Scenic.

sumla

sumla mp3

Final track in the Melur series has a more sparse and downbeat feel to the previous three. Slow melodic tones build and create multiple layers of analog washes. At times sounding like a cross between Tangerine Dream Pheadra and Marcus Guenters’ 1981. A nice finish to the series

Smallfish Records::2007-Current

greyscale ep

buy here

Their Alchemy series has been growing in popularity with every release and Greyscale follows a similar path, sound-wise. Deep, ultra-refined and textural guitar ambience with a wonderfully dense sound and gentle electronic manipulation. Fans of Kranky's recent output as well as the work of Windy & Carl will find this to be a most engaging piece of work. Shimmering, shining and beautiful, Monostation's Greyscale is quite simply a gem.

Smallfish Records

halftonal ep

buy here

Monostation ’halftonal’ (smallfish). Unless we’ve had a skiving off period or indeed have been rushing to complete this particular missive off in which case as per usual a few last minute nips and tucks have been applied then this should be the first of three featured releases from the dainty but deceptively delectable Smallfish imprint. As per usual these releases come pressed up on ridiculously limited quantities of 3 inch Cdr’s and sell out faster than you can say ’can I have that spiffing new dinky disc by Monostation please’ - last times appearance for Smallfish was marked by their 100 only edition of the ’Greyscale’ EP (which even we missed) so consider yourselves well and truly warned. Monostation are a UK based duo - Umbrellafella and Action Jackson - clearly not the names they were born with - who over the course of time - a decade to be precise - have been issuing releases like there was a run on the global CD pressing stocks - outings for limited switch, digitalbiotape, highpoint lowlife and of course Smallfish have all served to cement their reputation in the field of hypnotically inducing cinematic soundscapes. ’halftonal’ is a deeply mesmerising 14 minute trance / drone suite, appealing in the main to fans of Stars of the Lid and Windy and Carl. Monostation carve out a strangely alluring landscape, like a distant last gasp binary transmission from a dying civilisation its initial bass drone sounding uncannily like a stoned and chilled out take on Perry Como’s ‘catch a falling star’ (I kid you not), ‘Halftonal’ is best appreciated with the volume racked up late at night in the still of the dark otherwise there’s a fair chance you’ll miss out on savouring the microcosmic montages at play within. Wrapped deliciously amid slow tides of elegant yet frail oceans of panoramic drone swathes and braided with glazed washes of white noise static pierced by ether echoes this cutie pays nods to the early career work of Echoboy, the serenading shimmers belying a lilting classically grasped symphonic sereneness, the miniscule textures building in stature assuming an artistry in aural atmospheres instead of swarming and overloading your senses with a host of effects and climatic changes the melodies instead slowly terra form to feed, flirt and flesh out in looping ecstasy to plateau out at 8 minutes to coalesce dreamily into a brief but beautiful psychotropic feast. Gorgeous but then I suspect you already gathered that for yourself.

www.losingtoday.com

tristimulus ep

buy here

It gives me a huge amount of pleasure to bring you a third release on Smallfish by this talented London duo. Monostation have grown and evolved over the years that I've known and worked with them and, in my opinion, their progression has been pretty amazing. Naturally finding a niche (slightly before everyone else did, it must be said) within the drone / textural genre, they've put together a great deal of beautiful music in a remarkably short space of time. Tristimulus takes cues from their other work by using a mixture of melody, soundscape driven drone and this epic lushness that fits them like a glove. The first track, Spectral Locus, is beautiful and somewhat heartbreaking piece with a melancholy guitar line that drifts over surprisingly uplifting chords. Add to that the electronic backing sounds and it's a really fitting way to begin. The second and shortest track, 4 Degree Angle Of View, moves into a more classical area with pizzicato strings underpinning a phased, flanged set of sounds that reverberate and move effortlessly throughout. Distinctly different to the first track, it nonetheless sits happily next to it. The piece de resistance, if I may call it that, is the the third and final track, Metamarism, which is a distillation of everything that I love about these guys. It flows, it ebbs and it's totally full of passion and an epic beauty. Again, it's a sad piece, and yet at the same time I find myself smiling whilst listening to it. Simply, I think it's utterly magnificent. As always I'm chuffed to bring you music by Monostation and the lads have done me proud. Mastered by Taylor Deupree.

Smallfish Records

red rust

red rust mp3

looking for idaho mp3

We have an ace two track web EP for you this month from Monostation, who you may know from their own self-released 3" EPs and also their Smallfish records release. The EP is called Red Rust, and for anyone who knows their previous drone based material, you'll be surprised by who Detroit-sounding these are in comparison!
Grab them from:

HIGHPOINT LOWLIFE

Number 1

copper mp3

sandschem mp3

A series of 12 limited edition 3" CDs from Monostation with and elemental theme. The first, 'Copper', is a voyage into soundscape guitars and processed electronics which is heavy, beautiful and extremely impressive indeed. Each release comes with 2 companion remixes on the Monostation website for even more value. You'll want to check this out as it's really very good indeed!.

Smallfish Records

Number 2

gold mp3

war mp3

Musically it ploughs similar territory to the first release although, I would say, with a slightly more dense and heavy feel. Intense layers of striking guitar noise sit together creating, by turns, dissonant moments then melodic interludes. Very listenable indeed. The second track comes with a more rhythmic feel with a fragmented breakbeat underpinning some drifting, yet distorted textures. Again there's a bias towards guitar processing, yet this track has a subtly melodic synth line working its way into the mix. A superb release and extremely collectable too. Treat yourself to a slice of imaginative adn underground music par excellence.

Smallfish Records

Number 3

silver mp3

snow mp3

The third installment in the Alchemy three inch CD series from Monostation is in and it's pretty darn cool. Drones and ambient soundscapes are skillfully constructed into a strange but emotion evoking little two tracker. It's quite dark and kind of depressing and not an easy listen. I reckon if you put this on and dim the lights you'll be extremely rewarded though. Again the artwork on this is really nice. I know I always go on about artwork but I really feel it's important to support artists and graphic designers in this post modern digital download crazy world. Like Rephlex say "Support the music you love by purchasing an original edition.

Norman Records

Number 4

sulfur mp3

debris mp3

Monostation's Alchemy series is turning into such a quality collection of deep, ambient drone music that it's hard not to recommend each and every one of them. 'Sulphur' opens the CD with a wonderfully fractured chord sound that's been sourced from a guitar and then processed into a lush, layered piece of music par excellence. 'Debris' follows with a smoother, but some would say even deeper, sound that is magically evocative. Ethereal and drifting music that would be just as much at home on a label like Kranky (particularly their recent work by Keith Fullerton Whitman, Greg Davis or Gregg Kowalsky). A seriously good piece of work that comes highly recommended.

Smallfish Records

Number 5

platinum mp3

malfunction mp3

For some unknown reason 'Alchemy Number 5' the latest installment in the excellent series by Monostation, managed to evade my review pile last week. Alas it's not getting away that easy. The series so far has been quality and this is no exception. Deep abstract drones create an ambience which at times feels almost uplifting and at others unsettling and sad. This producer has certainly mastered the art of conveying emotion through the drone medium. No easy feat. Mysterious music that pulsates and resonates in your brain treading a fine line between torture and bliss. Beautifully packaged and limited as always. On Limit Switch.

Norman Records

Number 6

phosphor mp3

firebird mp3

London's Monostation deliver the 6th instalment of their Alchemy Series in the shapeof 'Phosphor / Firebird' , a quite frankly stunning 3"CD of soaring guitar-based soundscapes with delicate manipulation. Giving a nod to the likes of Windy & Carl, Stars Of The Lid and even Seefeel, both tracks on this marvellous release are divine and as with the rest of their ever reliable back catalogue comes highly recommended. Beautiful stuff.

Smallfish Records

Number 7

lead mp3

exodus mp3

I'm being rewarded for tidying my room and eating my greens this week with more Icy drone goodness as Phil has literally just unpacked the new MONOSTATION 3 incher. I can't believe they're up to number 7 seven in the Alchemy series already. Once again the quality is high and this is one of the darker moments in the series. As the second track 'Exodus' builds in intensity I can almost imagine my soul being extracted from my body and hurtling upwards through space and time at immense speed. Limited as always, on Limit switch.

Norman Records

Number 8

magnesium mp3

cling mp3

'Magnesium' (Number 8) is a slightly claustrophobic track with frequencies that at times seem unpleasant resonating in you're head. One of the noisier pieces in the series but as always the beauty lurks beneath .'Cling' momentarily eases the pressure but the intensity and atmosphere increases. Ambient drone at it's most powerful.

Norman Records

Number 9

potassium mp3

inferno mp3

Potassium' (number 9) is a profoundly moving work, simultaneously heart wrenching and hypnotic. A truly magical sounding track that evokes the same kind of emotion as John Foxx and Harold Budd's 'Translucence' LP. Only one more to go. I'm curious as to what these guys have in store for us next.........On Limit Switch as always.

Norman Records

Number 10

tin mp3

fortress mp3

OK here’s not 1 but 2 new Monostation CD’s on Limit Switch. Limited to just 50 copies here’s parts 10 and 11 . I think this is the 1st time I’ve reviewed these before as Ant normally does ‘em. For those who don’t know what these folks sound like it’s ambient droney loveliness which would fit in nicely with the Kranky side of ambience along the lines of Tim Hecker, Stars of The Lid etc. Textured layered beautiful music to zone out and drift off to. Excellent stuff. Though 3” CD’s shit me up cos I’m convinced they’re gonna get lost in my CD player…

Norman Records

Number 11

mercury mp3

structure mp3

See above for review

Number 12

zinc mp3

lowfield mp3

So, we finally reach the 12th and final release in Monostation's collectable and increasingly epic Alchemy series. Sad, in some ways, yet pleasing that the whole run of releases has retained an outstanding quality throughout. Zinc comes at us from the leftfield and hits a suitably high note for the final installment. Bold, raw, deep textures with an edge of menace run through the track and it's without doubt the most challenging track in the series so far and really shows another side to their production skills. Hypnotic, charged with energy and full of power, this is a fitting finale. It's left to the sublime Lowfield to provide an outro and it does so with a great deal of style and, for me, is probably my favourite track of the whole series. Once again we're treated to a swirling guitar manipulation with lo-fi reductions and a wonderfully fluid ebb and flow. Less heavy than Zinc and with a layer of hiss and static in the background that's joined by moments of melodic clarity... this is one hell of a track for lovers of drone-based music. So, we bid a fond farewell to Alchemy but not, I suspect, to Monostation. Bravo guys for giving us a series to cherish and enjoy.

Smallfish Records

azure ep

download ep here

After a lengthy break Azure EP was released on Phunkatronica. It was a more focused shift into newer territory – more of a natural and acoustic sound with focus on noise and melody. It would become the framework for the Alchemy Series.

Symmetry of Space

download full lp here

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EP1::Tronica Tales

download ep here

Monostation’s debut release ‘Tronica Tales’ was a melange of styles – drawing inspiration from a lost classic release of the time – ‘Champion Versions’ – The Beta Band. The ep was sample heavy drawing extracts from DJ Shadow, Robert Owens, Glenn Campbell to name a few. Tracks were beat driven with classic synth sounds.

EP2::Accept No Mediocrity

download ep here

EP 2 ‘ Accept No Mediocrity’ was a continuation from EP1 – beat heavy with psyche guitar lines – sample laden and very much sounding of the time. Comparisons could be drawn with Echoboy, Wisdom of Harry, King of Woolworths, The Beta Band and Fila Brazillia – again sample heavy, extracts from Average White Band, Beatles.

EP3::In Wonderland

download ep here

In wonderland the 3rd EP started to show a glimse of what was to come – utlising a little more control and experimentation. This ep followed on from 1 and 2 with its mix of beats, guitars and electronica but noise was introduced. At times soundling like Verve’s ‘Storm in Heaven’ mixed with Boards of Canada. It had a very futuristic feel similar to Add N to X’s ‘ Avant Hard’.

EP4::Leave your dream behind; take the train

download ep here

Leave your dream ep consisted of 3 tracks that were originally intended for the now sadly defunct Leeds electronica label – Senton Recordings. Unfortunately these tracks never saw the light of day. The three tracks had a nice warm analogue feel to them – beat driven with melody and noise.

Track 1: Leave your dream behind
LEAVE YOUR DREAM BEHIND
Track 2: Take the train
TAKE THE TRAIN
Track 3: Viaduct
VIADUCT

EP5::Daub

download ep here

Daub was monostation’s first EP after the release of their debut LP ‘Symmetry of Space’. It took off from where symmetry had started and added in a new sense of space. At certain points sounding very shoegazy with sounds that Ulrich Schnaus would take up. And started to bring in broken down sounds that were being used by the likes of Stars of the Lid and William Basinksi.