Andrew Hargreaves - Defragment

Having spent the last few years recording as one half of
The Boats, Andrew Hargreaves has finally finished his
solo debut.

From the opening notes of “Between The Right And Left
Hand” the delicate tone is set, with simple piano motifs
intermingling with digital processing to create a unique
space.

Space is an important element that runs throughout
“Defragment”, every sound is given room to breath,
designed to encourage the listener to fill in the gaps
with their own emotional interpretations.

Of course there is a nod to his main work with The
Boats, and certain elements could have been
transplanted straight from their extensive catalogue.
The sound palette is, however, expanded to include
labelmate Danny Norbury whose cello adds an extra
depth to “Variation Is Repetition” and takes centre
stage on the heartbreaking “Confusion In
Consequence”.

The final recordings for the album took place while
Andrew was touring Japan with The Boats, the influence
is evident in the balanced simplicity of the compositions
and mixes.

Fans of Danny Norbury, Ryuichi Sakamoto/Alva Noto
and indeed The Boats should investigate.

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