Glitterhouse Rec.
Edison Woods : Seven principles of leave no trace (US,rec.2003)****
What a sweet and gentle release ! Spreading its expressions like water on a shoarline with a mini-string-ensemble that create ambient-like chambermusic in an art-like atmosphere, .. This is in balance with a second wave blend, of the generally more richer sounds of what keyboards generally produce in sounds, of fender rhodes, mellotron,etc.., all leads and arrangements, by keyboardist,(singer), and composer Julia Frodahl. This body of keyboards with acoustics reminds me of all the 'Pianomagic' sound alikes. The instrumental part reflects itself like a workfloor, or is like an intimate plate for songs and inspiration to be born in perfect atmosphere. One or two tracks are more song orientated (like “Secrets" ) than others. There's an instrumental (introduction) which sounds more like contemporary chamber music ("Rio Abajo Rio" ). But all except the last two tracks have the same amount of variation, that work like a warm carpet or blanket of instrumental cover, that leaves a deep space view, for the song. Julia sings sometimes more whispery, or more forward (like on "Shirts For Pennies"). Just the last tracks are more minimal and sparsely arranged (like the titletrack, "Seven Principles Of Leave No Trace"), with "Brooklyn Flowers" becoming melancholic in this way. An elegant and recommended album.
PS. This release was mixed by Mark Van Hoen (Mohave 3, Seefeel), engineered by Alan Weatherhead (Sparklehorse, Mary Timony) and has a guest guitar appearance by Simon Raymonde (Cocteau Twins).
