In on Japan's Slow Flow label is a smart new CD by Ian Hawgood called 'We Are Better For Being Built This Way'. Which I can only assume is a dig at my middle age spread. Ian... How dare you! Only joking... I'm well thin me... I'm like a hairy match. I think this is the fourth album we've had this year from him and this one is a more meditative affair as it pulses along with various noises popping up in the background. The first track is lovely as it gently ebbs and flows while you get the sound of water in the background and perhaps a bit of rustling or something. Some of the tracks feature some bowed/picked piano which sounds lovely. In essence though it's a lush sounding ambient drone album which is designed to accompany lone autumnal travel. Very specific, but listening to it with my eyes shut I can see that (or hear it!) This is my favourite of the albums I've heard by him this year. Excellent!!
Love this record? Hate it? Tell us.
Sound clips for We Are Better For Being Built This Way by Ian Hawgood: on CD at Norman Records UK. CD, Slow Flow, SFR-005, £7.59.
"Recorded at various locations in and around Pennsylvania, Tokyo, London and Saitama from late 2008 to early 2009. 'We Are Better For Being Built This Way' is a meditation on simple tones taken from bowed/picked piano, guitar, singing bowls and pump organ. It was made as an accompaniment to lone autumnal train travel."
