Hidden Shoal Recordings is proud to announce the release of ‘Flaming Youth’, the new single by German experimental ambient artist Markus Mehr, taken from his forthcoming album On.
‘Flaming Youth’ tentatively fizzes into life as though fragments of static are being received from the heavens. As the static begins to clear, a gorgeous sleepy-eyed loop surfaces, bleeding through like a blissful, mesmerising surge of mangled lounge-jazz. ‘Flaming Youth’ continues Mehr’s ongoing exploration of texture versus melody, taken from his new album On, the second album in an ambitious triptych that began with the acclaimed In and will be completed by the forthcoming Off. On’s eight diverse tracks employ samples, field recordings and slathers of Mehr’s trademark distorted drones.
“one of the best releases so far this year and one which will absolutely be appreciated by fans of abstract ambient music and soundscapes” – Petal on In
“In this blissful wanderlust Mehr succeeds in spades creating a completely engrossing, engaging and all together reliable album full of the most powerful ambient-drone tracks this year” – Tome to the Weather Machine on Lava
On is preceded by In, the first part of the triptych, comprising two monumental tracks, ‘Komo’ and ‘Ostinato’, each of which clocks in at around 25 minutes, circling around and building upon hypnotic instrumental motifs. Off, released on 24 January 2013, includes the most epic piece yet, ‘Transit’, which clocks in at 49 minutes and will be performed live in collaboration with video artist Stefanie Sixt, who created the video to Mehr’s single ‘Cousteau’.
‘Flaming Youth’ is available for free download from the Hidden Shoal Store. It is taken from the forthcoming album On, available from 21 June 2012.