Description
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Mark Pritchard, a name that galvanizes an appreciation for electronic music, is renowned for his masterpiece “Under the Sun” that was revealed to the world in 2016. This British musician’s work sits at the intersection of modern composition, traditional folk, and incidental movie music. He has become emblematic of the ever-evolving sphere of electronic music with the diversification in his sound over the years. His musical career’s trajectory is quite unlike any other, taking directions that paint a rich sonic tapestry teeming with diverse music genres.
In the sonic universe, where variety often blends into a chaotic cacophony, Pritchard harmonizes a symphony with sundry renditions from his various projects. His earlier works under the names of his various aliases, such as Harmonic 313, Link, and NY Connection, have lent distinctive harmonic and rhythmic fragments to this album. His collaboration with fellow artists like Bibio, Linda Perhacs, and Thom Yorke in tracks like ‘Give It Your Choir,’ ‘You Wash My Soul,’ and ‘Beautiful People’ creates an amalgamation of different genres, imbuing an organic interconnectedness in his music.
Pritchard’s early involvements in club music, specifically Detroit techno and Chicago house, have had a profound influence on his production style. His exposure to various musical styles from a young age, and his collaborations with musicians like Tom Middleton and Richard D. James, has shaped his career in electronic music. His 2016 release, “Under the Sun,” mirrors the artistic tapestry of his sundry musical experiences.
Like his approach to music, Pritchard’s career path has also been filled with exciting twists and turns. In the 1990s, he collaborated with Tom Middleton to set up a record label named Evolution. This venture became home to experimental electronica and dance music, nurturing artists such as Matthew Herbert and Danny Breaks. Pritchard has also worked alongside Steve Spacek under the name Africa Hitech, underlining his versatility and openness to collaboration.
One of the defining aspects of Pritchard’s work is the amalgamation of different musical styles. His music does not subscribe to a singular genre but synthesizes elements of hip hop, techno, jungle, ambient, grime, and drum and bass into an exotic melange of sounds. This eclectic blending is well-reflected in his 2016 release “Under the Sun” boasting a diverse genre pool. Yet, despite the multitude of influences, this album bears Pritchard’s signature touch, much like his work in Global Communication and his solo projects.
“Under the Sun” reflects a subtle departure from his conventional electronic music productions. The album embraces an ambient vibe intricately woven with acoustic elements, unexpected sounds, and vivid synth-based layers. The album comprises tracks that are characterized by their uniqueness yet wholeness as a collective. Tracks like ‘Infrared’ echo with rough industrial sounds, while ‘Falling’ takes listeners on a dreamy journey through Pritchard’s imaginative soundscapes.
The true gems in the album are the collaborations. The ethereal “You Wash My Soul” features folk singer Linda Perhacs’ heavenly vocals over a lush sonic backdrop. “Beautiful People” hosts Thom Yorke’s gentle and soulful voice over a lo-fi Latin beat, creating a sublime musical experience. Each piece in “Under the Sun” offers a unique sonic revelation, truly encapsulating the essence of Mark Pritchard’s innovative spirit.
“Under the Sun” is a testament to Mark Pritchard’s musical versatility, built over a solid foundation steeped in diverse musical forms. From his transformative collaborations with artists like Bibio and Thom Yorke to different styles he’s embraced over the years, Pritchard has made a significant mark in the realm of electronic music. This album, released in 2016, remains an enduring testament to Pritchard’s innovative and forward-thinking musical mind, shaping the future of the genre with fresh sonic explorations.
