Loscil - Coast/Range/Arc

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4...according to our Clinton on Fri 03 Jun, 2011.

Loscil have been mainstays of the ambient scene for some time, recording both with Kranky and Ghostly International. Here they (I often say they but it's actually a 'he', Scott Morgan) produce a new work for Glacial Movements based upon the coastal mountains of the Pacific Northwest, studded with glaciers, lakes and other natural beauty. Oh, how I would like to visit. Anyway these are remarkably tranquil pieces, instantly achieving a peaceful state of mind that immediately takes me away from the hustle-bustle of your modern day online record store and into a rural dream world. The synth sounds are beautifully soft, like being whisked off into a cloud and I love the subtle touches that pervade the work. Little hints of sub bass that creep into the mix, keeping the sound on the right side of the new age disaster line. Phil is reminded of very early Orb (without the ephemera), I'm reminded of a less organic Stars of the Lid and some of the sounds heard on the impressive recent work of bvdub. This is even more minimal than Loscils's previous work. There are no beats, no clutter, just simple beautiful drone with string (or synth string) one note lines overlaid. It's incredibly patient, incredibly precise celestial music. You need to let it build, envelop you and you will reap the rewards. The nice low end chatter occasionally glimpsed under the mix gives a slight dub techno feel to some of the tracks particularly 'Neve' which is darker with Gas-like drones but overall this is fine ambient music for late night listening pleasure.

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Loscil is a recording project of the Canadian composer Scott Morgan. His career in the ambient music genre began in 1999 with the debut self-produced work A New Demonstration of Thermodynamic Tendencies which drew the attention of American label Kranky. Working primarily with Kranky and Ghostly International, loscil has released some wonderful works which led him to be defined by worldwide media as one of the most authoritative composers of electronic music of our times. One of loscilï¿½s main features is to write environmental weavings which revolve around a well-defined subject. For example, the subject of thermodynamic principles with Triple Point or the subaquatic work Submers, where every composition takes its name from that of a historic submarine.
This aspect of the Canadian artist perfectly merges with the Glacial Movements theme and philosophy; that of glacial and isolationist ambient music.

In fact, coast/range/arc is centered around the coastal mountains of the Pacific Northwest, studded with glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, canyons and epic views. The majestic ranges form a striking mountain landscape. These tracks explore the timelessness of mountainous elevations; oxygen deprived and surrounded by boundless skies. Mountains are hardly static - in fact they are dynamic on a time scale beyond the human experience. They grow, buckle, twist, erupt and erode at an epic pace. The Coast Range Arc is filled with such mountains and valleys, their dynamics nearly imperceptible. They evoke awe and a connection to an imperceptible past. They are constantly changing, yet represent such a seemingly stoic fixture in our relatively short lives.