Welder - Florescence
Though you’ve likely listened to Eskmo at some point, I’m guessing you’re unfamiliar with Brandon Angelides’ second music alias, Welder. Florescence, Angelides’ most recent LP under the moniker Welder, was released yesterday to some highly warranted acclaim, and I personally could not be more impressed. Whereas Eskmo typically caters to the industrial and glitchy end of the IDM spectrum, Welder opts for a more organic and aesthetically evocative route, of which the evolving and expansive sounds of Florescence are most certainly indicative.
I Still - Welder
While “I Still” may not be Florescence’s standout track, I’ve featured it because I think it’s an excellent showcase of Angelides’ knack for creating a mood that can be interpreted as either ambiguous or definitive within his soundscapes. The track is engaging, but not in an abrasive or demanding manner, and is perfect for letting your mind wander.
Run - Welder
Upon listening to “Run”, one is immediately aware of Angelides’ range as both a producer and artist. Structural norms are defied in this fusion of classical strings and ethereal, distorted vocals, and the product is a thoroughly uplifting and thoughtful track. I have difficulty listening to “Run” without smiling.
Angelides is an artist with something to say. Don’t sleep on this release. Stream Florescence in its entirety here.
Welder - "Be My Light"
imposemagazine.com
“Be My Light” is the latest single taken from Florescence, Eskmo’s organic side project recorded under the Welder alias. He currently has a Kickstarter campaign going with hopes of procuring funds for an elaborate video along the lines of his stellar “We Got More” and “Cloudlight.”
Eskmo Announces New Welder Album
weldersounds.com
Brendan Angelides, aka Welder, is a California based artist more widely known in the music community as Eskmo. With releases under the latter guise on the labels of Ninja Tune, Warp and Planet Mu, he has gained notable transatlantic recognition from the likes of BBC Music (“mind-melting invention…”), URB (“Simply destroys the soundsystem..”) and FACT (“Fascinating example of the intersection of organic and electronic.”) amongst many others.
Ancestor Media is the label he created as an outlet for his own personal creative endeavors. Past Ancestor releases include his collaboration with Amon Tobin entitled simply Eskamon,and the well-received Eskmo EP Hypercolor. His “Agnus Dei” track was featured on CSI: Miami in 2009 as well as an episode of So You Think You Can Dance.
Welder explores a different side of the sonic and emotional spectrum. Florescence is Brendan’s 2nd album under this persona (the first being a low key release in 2006 entitled Vines and Stream on Cyberset; a local SF based label.) While Eskmo traverses hi fi, twisted and bright outward explorations, Welder paints with washed lo fi instrument based ingredients, organic and digital. Weathered piano, warm strings, vintage drums, mandolins, synths and electric bass color the album. All the songs have a noticeable focus on recording room environments and the imperfections in the recording process, resulting in a very human, introverted yet gently playful experience.
Written over the period of December 2010 to March 2011 after some major life shifts and emotional upheavals, the album marks a distinct step in the maturing of Angelides’ secondary yet equally important music persona.
Tracklist:
1. Run
2. Yellow Yellow
3. L…Carousel…C
4. Japan
5. Rusten Sienna
6. I Still
7. Be My Light
8. Skybend
9. Florescence
10. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
11. Winter In the Hills
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
WelderMore of this, because Florescence is an album that deserves attention.
