Against the frenzy of the last few weeks, April’s Record of the Month collects moments of sublime calm and expansive emotional resonance from Walt McClements.
On a Painted Ocean is the second solo album from North Carolina musician Walt McClements, known for his work with Mary Lattimore, Hurray for the Riff Raff, and Dark Dark Dark, as well as his solo project, Lonesome Leash. His music often incorporates field recordings and ambient textures into vast and swirling auditory experiences, and this new set is the very embodiment of sonic exploration.
Recorded partially on a Pasadena church organ, the album also blends McClements' accordion work with electronic textures and contributions from saxophonist Aurora Nealand and electronic musician Rachika Nayar.
On a Painted Ocean is such visceral music. There are many slow builds, with layers of tone avoiding traditional song forms in favor of vast, evolving soundscapes. This is a lush reimagining of traditional instruments within contemporary experimental music, with moments that recall Kali Malone or Tim Hecker’s drones, with Albert Ayler blowing sheer sax power over the top. It’s truly powerful stuff, and the nuance of the emotion he conveys is spectacular.
A slow-burning treasure of emotions and tonal splendor.
Available in three, six or twelve month configurations, you can join the Drift Record of the Month Club and start adding to your amazing collection. Each month you will receive one new album on either vinyl or CD, based on your subscription type. The first delivery (whether CD or LP) will also include a complimentary Drift Pin.
Find out more here.
Recent 'Record of the Month' albums at Drift have included; Los Pirañas, Darkside, Delivery. White Denim, Kim Deal, W. H. Lung, Kit Sebastian, The Big Club, Orquesta Akokán, O., Mdou Moctar, Gustaf, Adrianne Lenker, William Doyle, Bill Ryder-Jones, Harp, Hotline TNT, Black Pumas, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Georgia, Cory Hanson, Overmono, North Americans, H. Hawkline, Yo La Tengo, The Murder Capital, Goat Girl, Black Country, New Road, Jane Weaver, Dry Cleaning, Squid, White Flowers, Stephen Fretwell, Chubby and the Gang, Low, BADBADNOTGOOD, Damon Albarn, Geese, Silverbacks, Cate Le Bon, Huerco S., Daniel Rossen, Kevin Morby, Vintage Crop, Viagra Boys, The Lounge Society, Jockstrap, Trevor Beales, Aoife Nessa Frances and Sarathy Korwar.