Customer Reviews

Float

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Perhaps it's possible to stop comparing some contemporary classical musicians to Max Richter, and instead begin comparing them to Peter Broderick. After a release of a 7" single on John Twells' (Xela) Type Records, Portland based Peter Broderick emerges with a full length album, Float. For this release, Broderick borrows his friends Amanda Lawrence for string and vocal work, and Skyler Norwood to aid in recording and effects from a collaboration on Loch Lomond's Paper The Walls (Hush Records, 2007). Float is immediately bold, familiar, and elegant. As any soundtrack written for a passing life, it transcends its message past the minor key. At first the album sounds too comfortable, like a soft blanket thrown over the frigid winter feet. I feel as if I've heard this sound before, perhaps in a forgotten film, or as a fragment of a beloved prelude. But as I let my mind break down the composition, the messages begin to emerge. I'll let you hear your own details - I'd hate to lock the music into words. Broderick's banjo playing adds an interesting element to the ensemble of the [usual] piano, strings and an occasional guitar. And I can't help but draw a parallel between the ages of Broderick and Ólafur Arnalds - both are only twenty one! With that said, may I claim that modern classical is at the beginnings of a new cycle, with young multi-instrumentalists incorporating both, organic and electronic, leading the way. Highly recommended! A cozy cinematic score. Check out above mention artists plus Harold Budd, Michael Nyman, Alberto Iglesias, Clint Mansell and of course Jóhann Jóhannsson.

Any fan of atmospheric, ambient, or cinema music should surely listen to this album.

The entire set of ten songs is wall-to-wall pleasure, but the first song, "A Snowflake," is utterly delightful. I can't say enough about this song, so lively and dazzling and childlike in its playfulness. Five minutes after hearing it for the first time on Public Radio's Echoes, I was placing an order.

Technically, Broderick's music is rich and textured, and always interesting. It's possible to pull back and admire the mechanics of the sound and marvel at how well the music is layered together. Possible, but not easy, because the mood of this music sweeps you away.

A very interesting guy. If you're into instrumental music that is sparse, cinematic, atmospheric, you should check him out. Some may compare him with Harold Budd, Nyman, or Martens, but make no mistake, it's not a minimalist stuff. This music has soul. Very simple on the surface, he never fails to be interesting. Wonderful!

I picked this album up after reading numerous positive reviews on some trusted sites and I was not dissapointed. If you enjoy Max Richter, Goldmund (Helios), Eluvium or any similar artists this really is worth checking out. It has a beauty about it that is haunting. It is also a consistently strong album, absorbing from start to finish. Peter Broderick seems to have a great deal of talent and I sincerely hope he continues to produce music of this quality.