a r t i s t : The Stranger
t i t l e : Bleaklow
d a t e : 2008
l a b e l : V/VM Test (VVMTCD26)
g e n r e : Ambient
r l s. d a t e : Jun/2008
t r a c k s : 11
b i t r a t e : VBRkbps
s i z e : 83,9 MB
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Ripper's note: As the covers show, this rip is from the
'expanded' edition. However, the extra tracks all came as 320
kbps mp3s, so are not included here.
The latest release by V/Vm alter-ego The Stranger is available
now for just 9 pounds which includes postage and packing
anywhere in the world. It's a dark trip and one you can
preview as audio and video. When you make the purchase not
only will you get the physical CD but you will also be sent
download links for highest quality MP3 files encoded from the
master disc.
The inspiration of this disc comes from those dark, grey days
full of drizzle and of course the bleak and battered northern
English moorside.
Reviews:
Bleaklow is a dark opus of deeply rich textures and resonating
ambience. The Caretaker tracks he's put out recently are all
well worth your attention, however sonically he's really
pushed himself on this one with immense attention to detail.
The palette of sounds used are fairly consistent throughout
with widescreen sequences of pulsating noise, smothered
distant melodies and harmonics juxtaposed with very occasional
sparse beats to create a tantalizing black atmosphere. Again
like the Caretaker stuff, this evokes feelings of nostalgia
but it is a far more futuristic trip. This strikes me as a
very personal and introspective album.
(NORMAN RECORDS)
This new album, however, qualifies as his most absorbing and
fully realised yet - an eleven track arrangement of
unbelievably layered drones, sound washes and percussive
structures that will leave you wondering just what else might
be lurking in V/VM's no-doubt substantial archives.
"Bleaklow" is a deep and incredibly satisfying album - perhaps
more so than any other releases on this frankly mental label -
and once your surprise starts to subside you're left with the
unerring impression that James Kirby is one of the most
interesting and diverse producers working on the scene today.
(BOOMKAT - album of the week)
The most bleak and depressing V/Vm alter-ego. The nearest
comparison I can make is with the heavier end of the dark-
ambient/Isolationist movement that briefly flourished in the
mid-90s. It's a bum trip, baby, but the perfect soundtrack to
another wet, miserable English Bank Holiday.
(GUTTERBREAKZ)
A word also for bleaklow, the superb new release by V/VM
alter-ego The Stranger, especially the queasy wilting synths
and staggering punch-drunk beats of "Indefinite Ridge".
(SIMON REYNOLDS)
Another V/VM alter-ego uses analog and digital sources to
create vivid impressions of a specific landscape of Northern
England. The mood is akin to a wet cold late-winter trek
across the harshly beautiful terrain and the rare prettier
music captures precious moments when the sun breaks through.
The Stranger concentrates on raw, bitter, splendidly
egalitarian weather and its simultaneously battering and
uplifting effect on humans.Throughout Bleaklow there is an
absence of prettiness which should definitely appeal to the
perverse enjoyment of those who venture out in all weathers
with Ordanance Survey map, mint cake, flask of tea, copy of
The Good Pub Guide and the motto: "There's no such thing as
bad weather, only inappropriate clothing..."
(BRAINWASHED)
http://www.brainwashed.com/vvm/news/various/20080618_vvmtcd26_
stranger.html
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01-Something to Do with Death [05:13]
02-Exposure [04:29]
03-Exhumation [08:47]
04-Solemn Dedication [04:46]
05-Indefinite Ridge [05:18]
06-Kirkbymoorside [07:06]
07-Inverted Burial [06:12]
08-Bleaklow [06:09]
09-Bob Greaves [04:47]
10-A Melody Drags Me Back [05:17]
11-Ominous Sunset [05:58]
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64:02 min