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MOTEER 012CD
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This is the first full-length release by the UK's Need More Sources (Chris Stewart). With this debut, yet another dimension of sound is incorporated into the Moteer extended family, through delicate orchestration and evocative, Satie-inspired piano. Reminiscent of everyone from Colleen to Jon Brion, Ryuichi Sakamoto to Ted Barnes, Shed stands up as one of the label's most inspired releases to date. Nothing is really known about Chris Stewart, except what is presented to us through the ten songs of Shed. But it's better that way -- the songs relish in their anonymity, encouraging the listener to overlay their own personal stories of love and loss over the wordless lyricism of string quartets and hushed guitars. Sentimental without becoming twee or melodramatic, Stewart owes a similar debt to modern American folk music as the likes of Max Richter or Goldmund, with tracks such as "Storm" and "Rain." Nine tracks in and the clouds break for a moment, as "Sun" warms us with its glorious beams of light. Questionably the highlight of the album, the listener is treated to some of the most beautiful strings this side of Vaughan Williams, as a solemn guitar quietly strums. The level of quality and workmanship that all have come to expect from Moteer has now been raised to the next level, thanks to the beautiful intricacy of Need More Sources. What an age we live in; where pocket symphonies can grow from spare bedrooms (or sheds) around the globe and change your outlook and perception of modern music forever.
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MOTEER 011CD
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The Scientific Contrast is the debut release from mysterious German producers Kibbee Theodore and Bernd Hamblin, and the 11th release from The Remote Viewer-curated imprint, Moteer. With this record, the "Moteer sound" takes a more electronic turn, harking back to the early days of labels like City Centre Offices and Morr Music. It's clear that The Remote Viewer's first album has been a strong influence here, as well as the earlier albums from people like Static. But without simply re-using the hooks and tricks of the past, Theodore and Hamblin coat everything in a layer of warm and homey goodness that is unquestionably fresh and undoubtedly Moteer. Over its twelve tracks, The Scientific Contrast is varied at the same time as being cohesive, from the four-on-the-floor danceability of "Hernd" to the fuzzy ambience of "Mndel," each song is full of unexpected turns and subtleties. The child-like digital chimes of "Balmpe" will take you back to a time of innocence; of long school holidays and scraped knees, of Casio keyboards and Speak-and-Spells. The music on display here softly and gently moves into your psyche to calm your aching bones and relax you after a long day. Theodore and Hamblin have found themselves a spiritual home at Moteer; fitting perfectly with the label's penchant for hushed and delicate releases, with the duo's nostalgic and naive sound never falling into the realms of kitsch. After the success of other Moteer acts such as The Boats or Clickits, this release is bound to appeal to fans of the aforementioned artists as well as anyone else who is interested in introspective music full of mystery and fragility.
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MOTEER 006CD
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Minimum Chips are an Australian five piece, and after a slew of Aussie-only releases, they have finally joined the Moteer family. Lady Grey is a collection of tracks taken from their Sound Asleep EP and Kitchen Tea Thankyou release, and gives the perfect introduction to one of down-under's best kept secrets. The first thing you hear from these tracks is the band's deft and undeniable ability to create classic pop music; in the same way that Stereolab and Broadcast have wowed us with their '60s swooning and lilting analog pop sensibilities, Minimum Chips are the next in line to win over our hearts and souls. We can only assume it's the perpetual sun that does it, but there's a baked, warming vibe present on this album that their contemporaries can only hint at, and a home-cooked feeling which makes it so much more honest. This release starts with "Cold Afternoon," a slice of pop perfection with nods to Low, Francoise Hardy and Serge Gainsbourg in its smoldering and sultry half-tempo swing. Organs slice through heartbreaking vocals and tape saturated percussion to create something memorable and gorgeous. Another high point is the dream pop excess of "Know You Too Well," which squashes the influence of Stereolab and the Concretes into a carefree ode to brighter days and lighter moments. Another incredible addition to the already reliable Moteer catalog, this is an album to re-affirm your love of life, and to take you singing and dancing into the autumn months.
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