alex smoke : Paradolia
Genre: Rock & Pop
Catalogue Number: SOMADA47
Label: Soma
Released: 19th March 2006
Glaswegian based artist Alex Smoke recently released his second album, 'Paradolia' on Soma Records. Paradolia is defined as the human ability to creatively perceive coherent images in randomness. This is an unusual word by anyone’s standard but then Alex Menzies (aka Mr Smoke) is an artist very far from the usual.
Paradolia is defined as the human ability to creatively perceive coherent
images in randomness. This is an unusual word by anyone’s standard but then
Alex Menzies (aka Mr Smoke) is an artist very far from the usual. A
Rorschach test this is not, more a sonic experiment that explores the
parameters of Alex Smoke’s potent psyche.
Alex remarks on its significance “I guess the album is the pattern and the
tracks the randomness as I didn't have a plan to tie everything together. I
also think it describes really well the appeal of music that at first sounds
random but makes sense as a whole.â€
It is almost twelve months since Soma unleashed ‘Incommunicado’, Smoke’s
masterful debut. Lauded by critics upon its release in March 2005 it
portrayed his instinctive maturity in constructing emotional, deep grooves
with intricate production techniques. ‘Incommunicado’ enveloped a myriad of
influences including dub, electro, grime and minimal techno. One of the
album highlights, ‘Don’t See The Point’ demonstrated his desire to
incorporate his own vocals in innovative ways, while voicing his
frustrations at the current political climate. This pivotal release
augmented the fact that his music was not confined to the dancefloor and
could not be pigeonholed by genre.
With ‘Paradolia’ he has taken this blueprint and pushed the boundaries for a
composition that is swollen with ingenuity and experimentation. The
development of his unique sound is clear to hear, crafting a beguiling
symmetry of melancholy and melody. The result is an a listening experience
that is more cohesive and inspirational than his debut outing.
Tracklist
- Paradolia Intro
- Persona
- A moment to myself
- Never want to see you again
- Meany
- Make my day
- Prima Materia
- Snider
- We like it Insipid
- Anima
- Formax
- Something's gone
- Left Drift
View directory entry for Alex Smoke
