Review: Lukas Creswell-Rost Go Dream

Back in 2011, the Berlin-based The Pattern Theory released their excellent self-titled post-rock album; which found that all-important middle ground between sonic invention and a strong emotive pull. A few years on and it’s time for former member Lukas Creswell-Rost to release his latest album. It has more in common with the likes of Destroyer’s ‘Kaputt’ than the kings of post-rock but undoubtedly possesses similar levels of creativity and emotions.

Creswell-Rost is a fine vocalist with his gentle, breathy tones bearing favourable comparisons with Green Gartside. His song structures are even more distinctive and even if this means some of the risks don’t pay off (the sax solo on ‘Week Of Warmth’ for instance), he generally hits the mark with some clever melodies. Added to this, the lyrical matter is based on rarely-covered subjects such as Yngwie Malmsteen’s air rage, Badfinger and Seinfeld.

‘Foreign Movies’ is busy with squelching beats, seaside samples and smooth synths and the song’s pattern is all over the place but Creswell-Rost has clearly put in the hours; turning incongruous elements into a rambling, warm and intriguing opener and it’s a good indicator of what’s to come. ‘Time Waster’ features a relatively sparse production which gradually develops in intensity and is a definite stand-out but even lighter, less complex material such as ‘Stolen Thunder’ bears the hallmarks of classic songwriting.

A hook-laden vocal and languid Sea And Cake-like rhythms ensures that ‘Own Night Out’ perfectly encapsulates Creswell-Rost’s charm. Yet the album reaches glorious peak as it nears its conclusion. ‘Patient Pilot’ possesses a breezy elegance whilst the stunning title track begins like a beat-hungry Durutti Column and then morphs into a fabulously epic ambient rock piece.

Although it obviously bears influences, ‘Go Dream’ signifies its creator as a true original; creating oddly-structured songs and turning them into multi-layered, dreamy, wonderful tunes.

Web Sites:
Plain Sailing Records
Lukas Creswell-Rost – Go Dream on Bandcamp
Video for Lukas Creswell-Rost – Time Waster

Further Listening:
Destroyer, Scritti Politti, Michael Flynn, The Pattern Theory

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Review: C Duncan – Architect

These are good times for Glasgow’s Christopher (C) Duncan with A list status achieved on respected station BBC 6 and now his first album about to be released. The man doesn’t disappoint on that score either with a truly original set of songs which combine folk, choral music and dream pop.

‘Architect’ is introduced by ‘Say’, with vocals which are both soothing, gentle and yet slightly eerie. The chorus is simply heavenly, consistently of lighter than air harmonies, not unlike an alt-folk Scritti Politti but really that only tells not even half of the story. A full-bodied title track heads skyward. The arrangement is reminiscent of retro-futurist revivalists such as My Autumn Empire and The Superimposers; given more magic by Duncan’s spiritual presence. The filmic, ambient-flavoured ‘Silence And Air’, the slightly unsettling couplet of ‘New Water’ and ‘Novices’ and a luscious ‘He Believes In Miracles’ are all paradigms of modern, psychedelic folk.

‘For’ really is like discovering a lost treasure from the late 1960’s; its delightful chorus, blessed with whistling and hypnotic vocal melodies are as beguiling a moment as there is to hear this year. In a rare break from the chilled reverie, ‘Garden’ signals a change in pace; Duncan racing through the song with a new found drive and yet the melody still recalls Cream’s ‘I Feel Free’, whilst ‘By’ possess a rich organ-led momentum. He even pulls off the trick of a genuinely touching lullaby on ‘I’ll Be Gone By Winter’ and it’s a real comfy jumper moment.

The word ethereal tends to get overused but the description is a perfect fit for Duncan’s beautifully tender vocals and expertise with arrangements. ‘Architect’ is a definite contender for album of the year.

Web Sites:
Stream of C Duncan’s ‘Architect’
C Duncan Page on Fat Cat

Further Listening:
My Autumn Empire,The Superimposers, Goldfrapp, Renfro