Search - Murcof :: Martes

This is as good as it gets in 'electronica-meets-analogue'

Rinchen Choesang | Melbourne, Australia | 08/13/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is a warmth and completeness about this album that puts it head and shoulders above other attempts to meld electronic sounds with more 'classical' analogue elements. It works and it is a great way to chill out after a long day at work.



With its glitchy bits to liven up what is basically chillout music, it never falls into the trap of more mundane techno/electronica that often depends too much on repetition of a 'nice' theme. There is always something going on here and it always grabs my attention, with a sense that I'm always listening to something new - you know, like one of those movies that you always find something new in on repeat viewing.



For those who like this style (and it is a style of its own), there is a very cheap sampler on the Leaf label that has two more Murcof tracks and some other very off-the planet alternative electronica. An excellent and quirky little buy - it is called "Delivery Room" and is available at Amazon and elsewhere for less than five bucks. Well worth adding it to your next order!



But that aside, this is a classy album. And as the sticker on the front of the CD case shows, it gets excellent reviews from electronica mags - incl two 5/5s and a 4/5. They're spot on!"

Completely essential

C. Quinn | County Louth, Eire | 07/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"'Martes' is one of the most original and successful musical experiments you're likely to hear. Any description of it - such as 'glitchy minimal techno meets classical' - is going to make it sound gimmicky and contrived, but it's actually very natural-sounding and genuinely emotional.



I could point to bits of it that sound like Aphex Twin, Cinematic Orchestra, any of Murcof's microhouse contemporaries such as Geeez 'n' Gosh or Andreas Tilliander, even Arvo Pärt or Jan Garbarek. But I won't, because any of that is likely to alienate someone, and all of it gives a false impression of the effect this record has.



You'll have to listen for yourself, but if you're looking for an electronic/acoustic hybrid with sumptuous but refreshingly different textures, subdued yet highly sophisticated drum programming, and an enveloping sense of space, you won't be disappointed with 'Martes'."

Seattle listener

John Rubato | Seattle, WA United States | 04/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gorgeous tonalities and shapes which utilize silence as well as notes and textures. There are beats but their sounds are more purely electronic than most (they don't sound like a drum set).
The harmonies owe a lot to contemporary orchestral music--Arvo Part for example. Murcof has crafted a totally unique and rewarding listening experience. Highly recommended."