Lowercase Noises is the music of Andy Othling, primarily a guitarist, from Albuquerque, New Mexico. I was fortunate enough to come across Andy's music through Twitter. Although I never got a chance to do a write-up on it, last year's "Carry Us All Away" was one of the best instrumental albums I heard in 2010. Until his next full length is released, he has given us the gift that is the new EP "Migratory Patterns".
Guitar is usually the most prominent instrument in Othling's work, but here the emphasis is on setting the mood first, for a slower collection of instrumental pieces with electronics and keyboards more to the forefront. The description given about the EP simply states 'This album is about a whale', so take that image and imagine a soundtrack to fit the album art above. There are no soaring guitar solos here, it is used as more of a compliment, mixed in with the lush sounds Othling has created.
"Migratory Patterns" is a lovely journey, just over thirty minutes long, of soothing melodies, downbeat electronics, droning guitars and orchestras of swelling keyboards that wash over you. There is never any danger of the quieter, more ambient pieces drowning into boredom as his music keeps and demands your attention from start to finish. "Persistence" calls to mind the music of bands like The Album Leaf with electronic drum beats underneath the gorgeous track. "Depths" is a showcase for cellist Shannon Harden, while Othling shows off his talents on the banjo on the closer "Farewell".
Don't just take my word for it, you can hear the entire EP below. If you enjoy this style of music or are looking for a relaxing musical journey, let Lowercase Noises take you away. Top shelf stuff once again from Andy Othling.
"Migratory Patterns" was released as a download only May 16, 2011. Get it via Lowercase Noise's Bandcamp page.
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