Yorkshire, UK’s Andrew Stewart has recorded five new musical offerings on his EP Nine Times Twelve, released under the name 1.0.8. He draws from a wide variety of musical styles to deliver a multi-textured, sonically interesting project. In a throwback touch, each track has its own artwork--be sure to check it out while you spin.
Nine Times Twelve kicks off with “MASK (Secret),” built around a simple descending riff. The riff, plus the swinging feel, recalls “Minnie the Moocher,” but this is no straightforward blues number. The production is layered with multiple vocal lines and cool sounds spread throughout. The cool sounds are the work of collaborator and producer Jason Odle, who had the task of interpreting Stewart’s musical thoughts, delivered to him as “whale-like whistles, grunts, and impersonations of various brass instruments.” The result is something that’s accessible, yet new. It’s a good blueprint for the rest of the album and “Sawdust & Hay” which is up next. This starts as a bluesy track with some jazz changes, and then morphs into a pop dance track with nice rhythm textures and layered voice overs that could have been cut from classic BBC programming. I particularly liked the slashing electric guitars set against the smooth keyboards and drum machine, as Michael Jackson may have done back on Thriller. Each track brings in a lot of different elements, and the songs shift over their running length. “Sirens (Hales)” stars as a pop song: a lovely melody set against some acoustic guitar work. But there’s tension underneath, delivered by the pedal-tone keyboards. The middle break evokes Paul Simon, White Album-era Beatles, Santana and maybe some Steely Dan. Spinning Nine Times Twelve has reminded me to revisit some favorites--a great outcome. “Rooks and Crows (Hormuz Boys)” finds Stewart starting with a Latin/island feel with bouncy bass and layered percussion. It’s more ominous than just a daiquiri on the beach, though; the dark piano comes and the song morphs into a brooding song that could fit a rock opera--or a cabaret-style revue. You’ll know what I mean when you listen to it. Stewart closes the EP with “Magical Dave.” With the horns and distorted guitar, it could have been an old Chicago track. In a wonderful touch, Stewart sings, “all of those things you said to me / as we drift beneath the deep blue sea” and the music matches perfectly. There’s a lot crammed into these five tracks. There’s so much going on, though, that it can be a bit disorienting. I’d love to hear certain sections developed out more, either as their own songs, or in letting a longer suite stretch its legs. This is just a nit though, as Stewart has a lot of say, and his talent shines through everywhere on Nine Times Twelve. Enjoy it!
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