Album: Past Is PrologueDon't you hate it when a band you like always gets compared to a more popular band and is never "as good as fill in the blank." So it is with Tycho, the moniker under which Scott Hansen creates gorgeous IDM/ambient music which is constantly being written off by Boards of Canada fans...
You know you've experienced a great piece of art when you don't even think to analyze it, the only thing happening is your senses observe whatever medium through which it was sent and your brain automatically registers it as beautiful. No analyzing what you like or don't like about it. No consideration for what might make it look or sound better. Just immediate appreciation on a level difficult to express in words. That is what Tycho's music is. Each track is a piece of sonic art, with digital brush strokes layered so well that when listening all you feel is emotional response. Admittedly, Tycho sounds like Boards of Canada, but Hansen takes this genre to a different level of audio engineering. I don't know exactly what he uses to create such uniquely glitchy music nor do I really want to know. All I want to do is enjoy the musical complexity that is Past Is Prologue.
[audio:Cloud Generator-Tycho.mp3]
Cloud Generator.mp3 (right click to save)
Why They Don't Suck: Although this album isn't new it is a disc that evokes creativity. If you've never been into music without words you may want to pass on Tycho, but if you're trying to spark innovative ideas or just wanting to zone out give Past Is Prologue a listen.
[audio:PBS-Tycho.mp3]
PBS.mp3 (right click to save)
Past Is Prologue on Amazon
download, even.
ReplyDeleteonly the first two seconds of "cloud generator" will dowload...
ReplyDeleteThanks matt, it should be working now.
ReplyDeleteI was searching this album cover for my best of the decade recap and I couldn't agree with your piece more wholeheartedly. I will even go farther to say that Tycho is the benchmark and Boards of Canada should be compared to them. Tycho has it down to perfection.
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