This is the first public release from no mains power. It could probably be slightly more Halloween themed but the timing was a deadline more than a concept. And weirdly, it was finished before the deadline. Most tracks are recorded pretty much live with minimal post editing (with the probable exception of the last one which was all about post editing). Clicking on the track names should allow you to download them if you wish. Or you can download the whole lot as a Zip file (all in mp3 format in case you want to add to say User Files in Spotify). And art work was asking Dall-E 2 for a “Robot playing a synthesiser in front of a haunted house, photorealistic”.
Track 1 – Strange new
This was broadly inspired by the new Star Trek series Strange New Worlds. Mainly because of the use of a theremin type sound as the lead
Track 2 – Almost Jason/Thom
This has a very familiar almost perfectly creepy chord progression (or is “get free”). G, B, C, Cm, repeat. Created in one take using a Midicake Arp. Which is an absolutely brilliant piece of kit and well worth checking out.
Track 3 – Continental Evil
The name almost certainly doesn’t come from the fact that the lead sound comes from a Behringer JT-4000. Which is very, very cheap and quite interesting. Recorded directly into a Critter and Guitar 5 moons (which is another lovely piece of gear) with overdubs. The background drone noise comes from the rather excellent Pocket Drone (it appears that there are, as of writing, only 2 left) from the amazing Simon the Magpie.
Track 4 – Halloween candy
This track is (eventually after about 35 seconds or so) trying for a jazz/ambient piano vibe. Recorded using an MPC Live 2 as the sound source via Midi generated by a Torso Electronics T1. Which is another amazing piece of kit that this track barely scratches the surface of.
Track 5 – A sincere question of the first homewoke
The title will not be explained but it is the main reason the track is a little too long and takes up more time than it really should. Created with a Polyend Play recorded live in one take (forgetting to use the Perform mode much) into the 5 moons.
Track 6 – Synthetic flesh
Short, a bit poppy and again featuring the T1. And it finishes a bit abruptly unlike the previous track.
Track 7 – The one opulent prudent zoo
A combination of the Torso T1 and a Teenage Engineering Op-Z (hence the name). Which is a truly pocketable potential live rig. Although you might need cargo pants. And an ever so slight shame that the Op-Z (with an internal battery) won’t quite power the T1 over USB.
Track 8 – Just like Robert
The oldest track in this collection. Was created as a “what can be done in an hour?” challenge. The answer being borrowed MIDI bass and drums from a rather obvious source, slowed to half speed and 4 takes of Korg Nu-Text recorded into Logic over the top and then edited back.