Taken from his forthcoming album 'Spells' out June 10 on Erased Tapes.Pre-order the LP/CD/DL here: www.erasedtapes.com/store/index/ERATP085iTunes: http://snip.ftpromo.net/spellsSpotify: http://snip.ftpromo.net/goldentimesBandcamp: http://snip.ftpromo.net/spellsbcor any other good record store worldwide'It's just incredible' – Mary Anne Hobbs, BBC 6 Music“Strangely upbeat nocturnes' – The Wire‘Spells’ merges programmed piano pieces with live instruments, combining the controllable technical world and the often unpredictable aspects of live improvisation. In some ways it continues where his underground debut ‘Gravity’ left off, though a lot of weight is lifted, making room for a lighter and more energetic listen. Friend and fellow Erased Tapes artist Nils Frahm mixed and mastered both albums. Ben is not a master pianist like his dear friend, but his sound collages are so meticulously designed that after hearing the result an impressed Nils declared: “from now on, if anyone asks – this is a real piano”. His intricate, humanised programming – enhanced by drummer Achim Färber, cellist Anton Peisakhov and harpist Lara Somogyi, and a considerate selection of echoes, delays and compressors – has been used to create a hybrid sound that intends to deceive, question and challenge existing listening habits. Utilising the contrast between reduction and decoration, ‘Spells’ can be seen as a quest to find out how much or how little composition is required to constitute a song. Why the ear can and should be deceived about the authenticity of instruments. What significance these instruments have within this process, and why the personal perception of balance and sound exclude ultimate truths. Linking the two albums are the four movements of ‘Nocturne’, an ever-developing conversation that on occasion flirts with the grandeur of compressed rock drums. The first single, ‘Golden Times 1’, received a world premiere by BBC 6 Music’s Mary Anne Hobbs, proclaiming it as 'incredible.' An alternative version of ‘Sleepers Beat Theme’ – composed for the soundtrack to a short film about the Trans-Siberian Express – opened Jon Hopkins’ Late Night Tales album from 2015, who noted “I thought it was such a calming and sensitive piece that sounded to me like the beginning of something...the warmth and depth of the sound entrances me every time”. Though ‘Spells’ and ‘Gravity’ are his first albums recorded under his own name, as acclaimed electronic producer HECQ he’s released nine albums since 2003, exploring everything from ambient to breakcore. He has simultaneously established himself as a trusted composer and sound designer, working for a wide array of clients including Amnesty International and Marvel Comics; composing for feature films, games, art installations and convention opening titles.After embracing this demanding line of work, in 2010 Ben felt the need to explore his roots and early education, which inspired these albums under his own name. Born in 1981 as the third child of opera singer Deirdre Boysen and actor Claus Boysen, his classical music training on piano and guitar began when he was seven years old; the works of Bruckner, Wagner and Bach laid an important foundation. Rediscovering this music shared with his parents – united with the sounds of Autechre, Cristian Vogel and Jiri.Ceiver to Pink Floyd and Godspeed You! Black Emperor – brought back an understanding of why he wanted to write music in the first place.“Finding my views understood, reflected and welcomed by Erased Tapes was an encouraging experience, crowned by the offer to release ‘Spells’ and re-issue ‘Gravity’ with them. Through many caring conversations with Robert I felt that there’s no better home for the existing ideas and no better cradle for new ones.” – Ben Lukas Boysen TRACK LISTING: 01. The Veil 02. Nocturne 3 03. Sleepers Beat Theme 04. Golden Times 105. Nocturne 4 06. Keep Watch 07. Golden Times 2 08. Selene
- Genre
- Ambient
‘Spells’ merges programmed piano pieces with live instruments, combining the controllable technical world and the often unpredictable aspects of live improvisation. 'In some ways it continues where his underground debut ‘Gravity’ left off, though a lot of weight is lifted, making room for a lighter and more energetic listen. Spells by Ben Lukas Boysen, released 10 June 2016 1. Nocturne 3 3. Sleepers Beat Theme 4. Golden Times I 5. Nocturne 4 6. Keep Watch 7.
Comment by Clau
thank you ?
Comment by auditone
better on second listen
Comment by vj present
thank you!
Comment by franimalia
This track is tremendous! Love it. Fantastic work.
Comment by paulaliz
soooo unglaublich schön, berührend, weit und energetisch <3 danke für diese wundervollen 8minuten37!!!
Comment by Jen Lorainne
stellar
Comment by hamartia
Medicine to my beaten soul. <3 Thank you.
Comment by hamartia
This album is so beautiful. I had to have it, I have it on repeat! <3
Comment by user652224346
sounds great
Comment by Just Wisdom
Jo!
Comment by CARDIO RECORDS
Ok, didn't see this coming I have to admit.
Comment by Egbert de Haan
Jesus christ! What a RIDE!!
Comment by Nick Grim
this is amazing
Comment by nealio1000
@simondawide: thank you!! i was trying to figure out how i knew this
Comment by simonDawide
Completely House of Card Generic - Harmony is simply gorgeous.
Comment by franimalia
FANTASTIC TRACK ... Utterly wonderfully and invasively pleasant. A++!
Comment by Vela
Really powerful track, love it
Comment by Encelade (♄)
nice
Comment by Laura M
Awesome. Thank you!
Comment by mystichords
Wonderful discovery this is for me.... Deep gratitude _/_
Comment by de Campos
Trully amazing..
Comment by Mister Trip
powerfull and trippy!!
Comment by mohantvj
Maravilloso........................beautiful................... no words....
Comment by Metanoise
epic and fundamental! best track. best album!
Comment by Ultimae
Deeply touched by this musical work, thank you. Love, Mahiane
Comment by mrhullie
This is great! Definitely going to buy the album:D Love it!!!
Comment by Entidadnocturna
Maravilloso!!!!
Comment by AudioRich
Is anyone else hearing Holden & Thompson - Come to Me??
Comment by Versace Chobani
gorgeous
Comment by Spring
<3 <3