Koen Park - Remixes, Reworkings And Reimaginings In A Quiet Form - FISH8CM-35 - 3" CDr - April 2009 - Having heard quite a bit of Ian Hawgood's music over the last couple of years I'm very pleased indeed to be bringing you this beautifully put together collection of reinterpretations of his Koen Park project. This EP is a companion release for the forthcoming 'Remixes, Reworkings And Reimaginings' CD on I, Absentee which concentrates on the more rhythmically inclined versions of his work. I'm thrilled to be involved and I have to say that the artists that have contributed to this release are really 100% 'Smallfish', if you know what I mean? Kicking off the EP is Corey Fuller with a sublime remix of 'This Earth Will Sleep'. Using layered textures and subtle elements of the original track he provides a gloriously uplifting and grainy track that works by simply allowing you to submerge yourself in sound. Konntinent follows with a low-key and beautifully refined meditation on deep ambience. Two chords and gorgeous background tones give this a shimmering, dense, yet light and airy feel - a track to drift away to and no mistake. Experimedia main man Jeremy Bible comes next with his take on 'Tear Road'. There's something about this track that gives me goosebumps. I think it's the initial chord that comes in and the way it slowly becomes more muted and ethereal before fading out to the finish. Whatever it is it gets me every time. Superb track. Finally we arrive at Smallfish friends Celer. Their interpretation is as otherworldly and distantly beautiful as you'd expect with its softly rolling texture running loosely in the background and gentle tones and chords easing in and out of the mix. Really quite magical. So, all in all this is an EP to savour. With artists of this calibre all coming together on one release I have to say that if you're a fan of contemporary ambient music in any way you should consider this a must-have. And, of course, don't forget to grab a copy of the I, Absentee CD as well when it comes out in May. I have to say a big thank you to Ian for coming to me with the project and also to the artists involved for such wonderful tracks. - Audio to follow shortly - |
