Wixel - Norway
Following on from Sufjan Stevens crazy idea to write an album for every state comes a slightly more achievable yet still rather crazy idea, Wim Maesschalck, better known as Wixel announced at the start of the year swore to the following:
In 2009, I, Wim Maesschalck, solemnly do declare, that I will release 12 records. Each one created from start to finish within the same month. It's a way of pushing creativity and forcing inspiration. It will be very much like a journal of 2009 by yours truly, but translated to music. All of those records will be released physically, limited to the amount of days there are in the same month. That should be one cd for each day of the year, like a real journal. All records should be at least 20 minutes in length. Since limiting music is silly, only the artwork will be limited. It's possible to get the music itself free (or pay-what-you-want) at http://2009.bandcamp.mu. I can't promise the music will always be good, so, you'll have to check out yourself if it's worth the trouble. If you have a question, send an e-mail to wimmaesschalck@gmail.com and i'll try to find an answer. To be notified as soon as a release is ready; subscribe to my blog. Since recently all previous months are made available again in a physical format. You can see them here.Credit to him, he admitted that not all of them will be great, however a few have shone out, Clouds being one and i think given more attention i could come to love the two Slaapliedjes records, however, my favourite by some way is the August release, "Norway".
Four lovely tracks of ambience mixing to fine effect, especially on the opener Briksdal, tidal washes, gentle plucking, footprints in the snow and finally Interference of the most delightful, detuned radio type. Each track comes with its own picture, Track 4, Ramberg, a gorgeous sunrise, which in reality could not have been more aft, the early morning bird call mixed into the
slow swelling loveliness that ensues after 3 minutes or so.
Jotunheimen seemlessly abridges Briksdal and continues along all muffled and windy.
One not to be missed.
This month release is the sound of acoustic and electronic noise colliding. Based on field recordings of norwegian streams, waterfalls and sunsets. The recordings are hardly modified, but rest upon a swirling undercurrent of acoustic guitar, soft keyboards and other treated acoustic instruments. Remember, the louder the better.
