Phasic - Many Simple Systems
Oct 31, 19:23 by Stefan KoopmanschapPhasic is the project of UK-based artist Paul Ripley. After hearing this album, I’d like to refer to him as ‘The Talented Mr Ripley’, as he clearly has a talent for creating highly enjoyable pieces of music.
Truth be said, some of the music isn’t the best example of a very original sound. There are quite some references to, for instance, Boards of Canada, in the music Ripley presents on this album. I must say though, that I am not annoyed at this even a little. I’ve heard a lot of Boards of Canada ripoffs since they’ve become quite popular, but Phasic is more than a simple rip off. Sometimes very similar in sound, but it has something to it that makes me just appreciate the music as it is.
And I must clear this up. Definately not everything is similar to other artists. The first track, Indigo just really really reminds me of the famous duo on Warp Records, and starting an album with such a track resembling another artist might put off a lot of people in listening to the whole album.
And so I recommend everyone who gets this album to listen beyond the first track. There are some jewels on this album. Take, for instance, Disconnected. Beautiful downtempo music to dream away to. Observatories (d1g1b34tmx) is another good example. Beautiful melodies, great rhythms. Fragile and beautiful.
Yes, parallels can definately be made to other artists, especially to Boards of Canada. But not in a way that it gets annoying. Many Simple Systems is a solid album, an album that is really nice to listen to. Definately recommended.
Note: This album is currently only available on the Phasic website and a selection of independant stores.
Released on Unsigned / Self-released
See also: Phasic website