When analyzing all of the emerging artists and groups I’ve been enjoying this year, Pressed And of Mush Records is definitely on the list of groups that have remained in my listening rotation heavily. A duo that is hard to classify for every reason possible, we feel they are going to break through to a higher level of awareness soon and it’s been a pleasure to see it unfold with the last two releases on Mush Records. To label the duo’s lenient preference of genre to electronica or progressive rock would be impossible and it serves as one of the most deeply interconnected merges of both worlds. Stone Candles, Pressed And’s latest LP on Mush Records, shows the group unifying these divergent sonic worlds in an even more condensed, seamless and coagulated form then they have ever achieved. Heavy usage of guitar and keyboard layering takes on a considerable amount of presence along with rock style bass and drums and other sounds that they have never extended this far before. Electronica is the other half of the equation, pushing the music to a very futuristic state of experimentation. Expressive in technique and soul, every track is painted in color schemes one can only find in dreams.
The influences of Pressed And’s Andrew Hamlet and Mat Jones spreads a wide gamut of music from the past and present, something that is astonishing in scope of the albums totality. There’s truly not enough time or space to fully describe every texture and sound that is present on Stone Candles and it feels fresh and new after dozens of focused listens. Despite the density and variance, there is still a cohesive voice that underlines every movement on the record, something that you can just feel the presence of. A record this full of life can tell many stories but it’s really nice to connect to the core of the spirit that drives the entire album. I’ve never heard an album that is entangled in the movement of progressive rock as much as it does the electronic idiom like Stones Candles is, something that should take considerable mention from those who are following the new styles of this era.
The depth and density of Stone Candles feels as engulfing and alive as a 60′s psych record, flourishing with new life every measure. A sensation of bright moments trailing after one another comes to mind, breezing by with the smoother intervals and empowering the mix with the most electric. Out of all the material that has really made a deep impact, the track “Bored On A Lam” has made the biggest impression on me over the last few months. The duality of electronica and progressive rock is stunning on this burning piece, making room for both worlds to build up together in perfect succession. Running over eight minutes in length, every measure shimmers with a mesmerizing beauty and quality of tone that is transfixing on contact. Lucid dream music for those that love to find themselves fully encased in their listening experience.
The guitar on “Bored On A Lam” plays a special role, especially with the solo layers that are treated heavily with delay. Acoustic guitar is cleverly placed inside of the smooth floating rhythm of the piece with ease, pulsing behind large drum tracks and a dense body of melodic layering. The influence of 90′s R&B takes hold as the layers unfold and more of the core is revealed. “Chalk On My Hands” is another song that has stayed with me after repeated listens, highlighting a plethora of colorful layering and spirited solo’ing. The track has a really positive vibe and alters my mood for a better state right as soon as the drums break in and the main vocal line section takes its path. A clean and open sound with the type of density that keeps it from becoming fragile. There is a slight twang that underlines the song, touching on an entirely different area of sound than any other electronic producers are adding to their sound. True growth for the advancement of modern fusion and a very unique approach to composing in both rock and electronic mediums simultaneously.
A stunning mixture of genres and styles, Stone Candles blows my mind every second and is the type of album that we really feel will keep rising in appreciation over the years. Pressed And are an innovative pair of individuals that have left it all out in the open on Stone Candles. It’s easy to consider the following after the album takes its final breath: music continues to evolve. We feel you will easily agree. - Sound Colour Vibration |
