Nickolas Mohanna
Transmission Hue

4
...according to our Ant on 02 July 2010.

As far as I'm aware this is the first proper CD release from this Brooklyn artist, better known as Vakhchav, who's had a bunch of CDr releases out on Blackest Rainbow amongst others. Using guitar, analogue modular synthesizer and electronics he creates tripped out dynamic drones. The German influence is apparent, recalling classic kosmische. Mohanna creates a vibrant and colourful soundworld that fans of the new wave of kosmische (Emeralds/ Mark McGuire etc) should check out. Although I'd say this is probably more stripped back but no less effective.

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Sound clips for Transmission Hue by Nickolas Mohanna: on CD at Norman Records UK. CD, Low Point, LP036, £4.99.

What their label says...

Following on from several well received cdr releases under the Vakhchav alias on labels such as Abandon Ship, Blackest Rainbow and Small Doses, ‘Transmission Hue’ marks the first widely available full length cd from Brooklyn based multi-media artist Nickolas Mohanna.

On ‘Transmission Hue’, Mohanna's tools of guitar, modular analogue synthesis and electronics are used to create clouds of cosmic krautrock-inspired drone. Eschewing the constrictions of software programming, Mohanna’s intuitive hardware approach only works to enhance these synth progressions. Subtle tones work their way up from the depths, manoeuvring themselves to the forefront of the sonic canvas. Diverging then converging within the stereo field, they don't remain there long before they are quickly devoured by the somewhat blissful haze.

Much like his peers operating within analogue synth music, Mohanna manages to envelope his archaic source sounds with a forward thinking sensibility that references classic kosmische whilst demonstrating a modern outlook, allowing him to avoid the clichés and offer a fresh perspective on the genre.

Tracklisting:

1. Dialogues
2. Gishiki
3. Thin Ice
4. Of Lethe
5. Configurations In Placing Sky