7 out of 10
Over the past decade, Loscil's Scott Morgan has come to be one of Kranky's most revered artists. And for good reason. Along with constructing textured sound environments that emanate a sublime sense of beauty, his compositions have always been made stronger with their thematic coherence. On 2004's 'First Narrows', Morgan focused on the architecture of his hometown, Vancouver. On 2010's 'Endless Falls', he even attempted to center every track around the aquatic qualities of sound. And on his newest album, 'Sketches From New Brighton, he returns us to his hometown, this time attempting to stir up vague images of an ocean-side park on the city's border.
One would imagine such a subject to be a loose representation of nature juxtaposed against an urban environment – the clamor and cacophony of city life meeting the calm, serene waters of the Pacific. However, it feels like this album doesn't live up to its predecessors in reflecting its theme through a unified sound. The nine tracks here recall the hypnotic beats, undulating melodies, and slowly-shifting loops that Loscil is known for. Yet, too many of the songs here simply seem to blend into one another. There are many high points where the vision is strong – like when the eerie, artificial industrial effects of “Fifth Anchor Span” move into the sparse, warm tones of “Prarie Trains” – but one can't help but to feel as if Morgan isn't really stepping outside of his comfort-zone.
However, it must be said: Scott Morgan still knows how to wrap up his listeners in a world of pure ambient bliss. Any fans of the Kranky label should still seek out this release.
Standout Tracks: Khanamoot, Fifth Anchor Span
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