Channel In Channel Out – The Author And The Narrator

Channel In Channel Out is the solo music project of Marcus Cotten. Another talented artist based in Portland, his latest release The Author And The Narrator is a work comprising ten idiosyncratic songs which are refreshing in their eccentricity…

Following small-run EP releases and the full length Contaminate The Optimist released on Imoto Records, The Author And The Narrator marks Cotten’s debut on Karaoke Kalk with what could be his most fully formed and accomplished work to date. The album opens with It’s Rather Amicable/Addling Authors With Narrators, a strong track which while providing an accessible introduction to Channel In Channel Out, does not fully capture the experimentalism that is present in subsequent numbers. The piece is somewhat reminiscent of San Diego indie-rockers The Black Heart Procession in its use of vocal harmonies.

In the ensuing numbers, the artist appears to grow as a songwriter and Channel In Channel Out explores more fully into its own sound. The artist employs an almost schizophrenic tonal palette, echoing influences from staples such as Brian Wilson and Bob Dylan alongside more obscure bands like Kurt Cobain favourites The Vaselines. Added to the above are glitchy ambient loops and lo-fi static, found sounds and toy xylophone. The artists voice is perhaps technically the weakest part of this ensemble of sounds but rather than letting him down, their fragility adds an endearing aspect to the songs.

Many artists will claim a unique sound but in truth this is rarely achieved and if there is one thing that Portland is not in need of, it is another quirky indie-folk songwriter. What sets Cotten apart and proves his worth to the scene and to listeners in general, are his eclectic and original approach to songwriting and the sincerity of his art.

- Review by Adam Williams for Fluid Radio

www.channelinchannelout.com
www.karaokekalk.de