Floating Points’ “Cascade”: A Sonic Journey from Manchester to the World
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In 2017, Floating Points, the alias of British electronic music producer Sam Shepherd, released Cascade, a project that sees his sound evolving into new and expansive territories. Known for his intricate blend of electronic and orchestral elements, Shepherd pushes the boundaries of his music even further on this release, crafting tracks that smolder and spark with an intensity that spans up to eight minutes per piece. This album stands as a testament to Shepherd’s ability to weave complex sonic narratives that resonate with both his roots and his forward-thinking approach to composition.
Cascade is imbued with subtle nods to Shepherd’s hometown of Manchester, with tracks like “Afflecks Palace” and “Key 103” serving as homages to his formative years. “Afflecks Palace” captures the eclectic essence of the Mancunian market with its blend of harp melodies and otherworldly electronic textures, while “Key 103” harkens back to an underground radio station that played a pivotal role in shaping a young Shepherd’s musical landscape. These references not only ground the album in a sense of place but also highlight the deeply personal nature of Shepherd’s music.
Since the release of his critically acclaimed debut album Elaenia, Shepherd has consistently sought to bridge the gap between his explorations outside of the club scene and the music designed for the dancefloor. This pursuit is evident in Cascade, where he seamlessly integrates his experimental tendencies into tracks that are still very much rooted in the electronic music tradition. The result is a collection of pieces that are as much about creating a mood as they are about getting lost in the groove, a balance that few artists can achieve with such finesse.
Floating Points’ Cascade continues to showcase Shepherd’s evolution as an artist who refuses to be confined by genre. His ability to draw on a wide range of influences—from the classical inspirations of Claude Debussy and Bill Evans to the more contemporary sounds of his collaborators like Pharoah Sanders and Caribou—cements his place as one of the most innovative producers of his generation. As Shepherd moves forward in his career, Cascade serves as a reminder of his capacity to continually redefine what electronic music can be, while remaining deeply connected to the places and experiences that shaped him.
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