Mark Harris – The Boy Observes the Ocean

The latest offering from Hibernate Records is by West-Midlands based Mark Harris. Harris is a visual artist, programmer and musician who uses self made applications to mould field recordings and captured audio to weave his music…

Samples of bowed guitar and violin performances by acquaintances are heavily processed by the artist, who then adds field recordings to the mix. The tracks have a distinctive feel and though the genre of ambient drone may be crowded, Harris succeeds in carving out his own niche.

Opening track I Am A Long Way From Home begins with waves softly rolling and beneath the surface subtle melodies play. Mark does an excellent job of knowing when to hold back and when to give the listener melody. The music feels orchestral and soundtrack worthy.

Following the clinically detached opening track, Approaching Tide – Heacham 1973, is somewhat reminiscent of a Gareth Hardwick track, more organic than the first and slightly softer. Both pieces are relatively brief at roughly five minutes.

On the latter two tracks Harris really shines. Utilising extra space, he slowly builds the various instruments and each sound has room to breathe. The long drones sporadically fall into silence, giving the tracks a dynamic feel. There’s a definite feeling of space which helps set the scene of oceanic vastness in the listeners mind.

Released in a run of 150 CDR’s, The Boy Observes The Ocean also features evocative cover art which complements this intelligent and beautiful release.  -  Review by Adam Williams for Fluid Radio

Available through Hibernate Recordings store here
Soon through Experimedia here

www.markharrismusic.blogspot.com
www.hibernate-recs.co.uk