Somehow, despite recording several sessions of Bike material in the time following the 'Rangefinder' EP-triptych, there has not been a Bike release since then, three years ago, almost to the day. Bike has certainly not ceased to exist as a project, but merely entered an unexpected hibernation, it seems.
So, with that said, I am happy to publish a new Bike recording once again, right on time for the decay of Autumn. 'Phrygian' is a nearly forty-minute EP that originated as a nearly-complete live session in late September of '22, using only Karplus-Strong machines in my modular system as drum voices. Post-processing work, as well as some editing and overdubbing, was enacted after pulling the recording from the shelf in Autumn '23, and this included more audio generated with Karplus-Strong devices, as well as a small amount of assistance from other drum voices in the modular (Noise Reap Foundation, Bastl Tea Kick/Noise Square, Mutable Inst. Braids) and some live FX work with the Boss RE-202, a modern remake of the RE-201 Space Echo unit.
Altogether, 'Phrygian' is as Bike as Bike can get, directly following 'Rangefinder' with more modular exploration, but with a sharpened rhythmic focus, even though 'Phrygian' certainly wanders from the grid when it wants. It is primarily concerned with coaxing rhythmic structures that remain somewhat tonal from two Doepfer A-188 bucket brigade delay units (256 and 1024 stages, respectively), which are able to perform a myriad of functions and utilities in a modular system, but are absolutely bestial when it comes to percussion work. An unexpected side of the Karplus-Strong synthesis process, 'Phrygian' hopefully transcends the 'proof of concept' part of its origination and offers a wild wonderland of alien electronics.
credits
released November 3, 2023
W/P by Brian Grainger. Recorded principally on September 25, 2022, with subsequent overdubbing, editing and mixing on various dates 2022-2023. Mastered by The Analog Botanist. Text by Brian. Design by ABM&D. This is Milieu Music number MML159. (C) + (P) Oscillog ASCAP 2023. All nights preserved.
Somewhere between the muffled and blurred tape memoirs of Pye Corner Audio, the sleek architecture of possible futures via Kraftwerk, and noir chord washes of holy grail detroit techno lies this collection called River Mural by Coppice Halifax. These are mind journeys into Arp carved canyons, aided and abetted by 808/606 chiseling, follow the road into the horizon, you will eventually find the river of gold. neglectsound
I love the whole theme going on with this album, like it was a film made in another world with animals or cats with human characteristics. For me its nostalgic as most of the cartoons I liked when I was younger had characters like that. The album is very fun, funky and upbeat with good energetic vibes! Most of the tracks are quick with nice synths, basses and complex beats. What I also enjoy about the album is that it has a bit of a disco flavour! Wuzzy Raccoon
The final work from visionary musicians Johnny Igaz, aka Nackt, who lost his life in the Ghost Ship fire in Oakland, California last year. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 8, 2017
Australian duo OK EG imbue rigid power electronics with organic warmth, approaching club music from a naturalistic mindset. Bandcamp New & Notable May 27, 2020