First Narrows

Loscil | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 25, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Kranky
• ASIN: B0001YL644
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #139,813 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cool, hazy maritime ambient masterpiece, December 5, 2004

By 

Richard Yacuk (Whippany, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: First Narrows (Audio CD)

I discovered the music of Brian Eno while in college in the 80s (I was a U2 fan and had a friend that practically stood on his head to get me to give Eno a try). Ever since those days, I've been on a musical journey of sorts looking for music that might somehow bring me to the places that Eno could. The music of Loscil, specifically "First Narrows" is one of the few albums I've encountered since then that approaches the delicate ebb and flow of those ambient marvels.

Those not accustomed to the "flavors" of modern electronic music, specifically what is today called minimal or dub, might initially be put off by "First Narrows," perhaps thinking that the rhythms have no place in an ambient landscape. However, with time the gentle rhythms simply melt into landscapes of warm Rhodes electric piano, echoed/wash guitars, and softened, treated synth washes.

The ambient feel, and album and song titles at times conjure images of bays or coastal areas, and the gentle rhythms pulse like ripples on a quiet body of water.

The mood is not so downbeat or depressing, but rather pensive with a slightly optimistic, driven quality.

I've owned this album for just over three months now and simply cannot stop listening. I also strongly recommend the prior album, the 2002 "submers" also on the Kranky label.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars warm, February 20, 2005

By 

CharlyStreetgang - See all my reviews

This review is from: First Narrows (Audio CD)

I agree with the other reviewer. It's really hard to put my finger on what I like about certain ambient/minimal music. So my review will probably be pretty lame. All I know is Loscil achieves what 95% of what other artsy/minimal/electronic artists cannot: A true sound peninsula. The sound of Loscil is always connected to melody, harmony and rhythm. Yet, it jets out just enough to let the listener use his/her own imagination. I never have understood why most ambient music tries to create a depressing sonic landscape of creepy, lonely music. Loscil creates organic music. With a touch of the Caribbean dub, and a warming reverb, the simple rhythm creates an affectionate feeling, not one of an iron asteroid fulfilling a cold orbit in space. All right, I'm starting to sound like everyone else on Amazon. Time for a pre-sleep hour of Loscil induced relaxation before I meet the realties of the another work day starting sharp a 0500.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent minimalist ambient, August 12, 2007

By 

Jmark2001 (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: First Narrows (Audio CD)

I really like this group. They put out somewhat hypnotic (but never repetitious and boring), interesting ambient music that I could hear in the background all day long without it getting annoying or boring It takes artistic restraint and taste to make this stuff. You have to know what NOT to put on the track and leave well enough alone. You also need to be able to come up with interesting and novel sounds and combinations. Loscil does this. All of their albums are great and this one is no exception. If you like Eno's best stuff, this will be what you are looking for.