Description
#ancientplastix #vinyl #vinylrecords
In a marked departure from his debut album’s rhythm-driven structures, Liverpool-based musician Ancient Plastix (aka Paul Rafferty) immerses listeners in a tranquil sonic landscape with his latest release, ‘II’. This new album elegantly harmonizes the serene depth of Japanese ambient sound with the uniquely undulating tonality of British mist, culminating in an aural experience that flows seamlessly like a swan upon water.
Ancient Plastix leverages a diverse array of analog tools to achieve ‘II’s remarkable sound quality. The cassette recording of ‘II’ employed an eclectic mix of synthesizers and keyboards, including models from Yamaha, Korg, and Casio, with guitar pedals and outboard equipment like the Roland Space Echo, Melos delay, and spring reverb adding to the tonal depth. Rafferty’s instrument of choice for tape recording was a 90s Japanese Sansui, a rare 6-track machine known for its gratifying fidelity.
Unlike the rhythmic complexity of his debut, ‘II’ unveils a newfound patience in its sonic approach. Crafted during the concluding period of a lockdown, Rafferty’s arrangements echo the distinctive zeitgeist of the time. He explains, “The arrangements reflect the personal era. No responsibility, no reasons to adhere to the previous patterns in my music-making.” As such, the album unfolds leisurely, revealing a vast spectrum of sounds and moods that Rafferty discovered while experimenting with vintage technology.
The result is a sublime blend of musical exploration and introspection, making ‘II’ an impressive follow-up to Ancient Plastix’s debut. By returning to the roots of music production with old technology, Rafferty illustrates the inherent beauty of analog recording and the timeless value of patient, dedicated craftsmanship in music. ‘II’ is not just an album; it’s an exploration of sound and the possibilities of music production that promises an immersive experience for listeners.
