JAMES

"James" is the latest installment of a unique sub series of EPs that Andrew Rothling (the man behind Lowercase Noises) has created for each of his children. He composes and records the music during the pregnancy and then releases each album on the date of his child's birth, "James" being number four. If this sounds a little too sweet or sentimental for your tastes you should reconsider, each of the albums are actually quite good.

Othling handles the bulk of his releases via guitar and associated effects, creating slow and swelling ambient dreamscapes, full of emotion and peace. On this album he has added specials guests to bring a bit more "band" sound to some of the tracks, which feature drums, cello, and violin. "The First Glimmer of Wind" is a standout track here letting violin and cello have the lead rather than the usual guitar, giving it a slightly different feel. "Almost So Clear" brings acoustic guitar to the fore initially before swallowing it in the welling, again bringing some strings in. "The First Wink of Dawn" adds piano note repetitions to the fore before some light drums come in, very effecting at invoking morning optimism. The twenty four minutes drift by very quickly and the overwhelming feel is a life affirming sense of beauty and peace. Rarely does one get harshness or sadness from the music. Lowercase Noises work has always brought very positive "vibes" to this listener, soundtracks for introspection and relaxing listening. His philosophy is that guitar should be played slowly and 'less notes is more' essentially. In other words, like your Mom told you, slow down and taste your food rather than inhaling it.

As he has in the past Andy turned to artist Terri Othling for the beautiful cover art. I urge post rock fans to check out Lowercase Noises for what is now an impressive body of ambient post-rock work.