By: Michael Madavi
Artist: Ultre
Title: The Nest and the Skull
Label: Audiobulb Records
Genre: Electronic : Alternative
Release Date: 3.3.09
UPC: 843041046848
Territories: World
Organic and painstakingly original, Ultre’s new album The Nest and the Skull is a fantastic and engaging album that builds off where Sunken Foal left us in 2008. Imagine an Aphex Twin record made from guitar, piano, hitting random things, finger snaps, and even beating on your chest (coined as “electro-acoustic”). While this may sound too earthy or primal, the composition is remarkably clean and the album is unabrasive to the ear; in fact, it may sound even more natural than most electronic compositions due to the use of actual, acoustic sounds. This doesn’t feel like a cyber-apocalypse or what robots should be listening too; Ultre’s album still feels like humans rather than computers made it.
The images in album’s title describe its tone perfectly. Some sections feel like nest: homey and comforting, like they came from nature, while others take a dark and more haunting tone: a skull. The myriad of textures, tones, tempos and cadences on the new album is incredible. Don’t think this is just a calm version of electronic music made without proper beats; there are parts of the album that genuinely pounds as hard as an Autechre banger. Finn McNicholas, the genius behinds Ultre, has been featured alongside Battles and Clark on the Overkill compilation (LittleBig), has performed live with Tim Exile, DJ Scotch Egg and Trencher, and recently was commissioned to write a musical score for Opera North. His first album All The Darkness Has Gone To Details sold out within three weeks of its release, and the new record is sure to do just as well. The live show was universally praised for his stunning on-the-fly compositions and mixes, aided by the visuals of the incredible Flat-E group. Be sure to add this record to your collection; you’ll be addicted.
Check out this live video from 2007. He not only uses his mouth to create some of the loops, he also plays some weird, home-made instrument. It looks like a bow (archery) with a small bucket attached, played with a bow (string section) and just simply hit, sort of like a one-string cello that you also beat on. Your guess is as good as ours. What an impressive talent. In Finn’s own words, “I have never used one sample or preset because there would be no fun in the making … to me The Nest and The Skull describes some unknown time, unknown place and the pursuit of constant amazement.” We’re certainly amazed, and eagerly awaiting the next evolutionary step in this alternative realm of electronic music.
And here’s a video he made with Flat-E, a group who provides the visuals for his live shows. Very, very cool.
“Favourite Mammal” (mp3)
from “The Nest And The Skull”
Buy at iTunes Music Store
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Tags: Ultre
