First off, we need to establish something important. Daniel Kessler may be one half of Big Noble, but this sounds nothing like Interpol: his distinctive guitar sound is conspicuously muted here. A set of delicately-crafted and extremely subtle ambient works that ebb and flow together to forge a continuous flow that drifts and eddy.
In context, ‘First Light’ represents a true collaboration, in that neither artist seems to dominate the projects direction. Frioli is renowned for his complex and highly experimental work: these tendencies are clearly placed in check here as the emphasis is on atmosphere and minimalism. If anything, the strength of ‘First Light’ lies in its elegant simplicity.
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As an ambient work, it offers no surprises and serves its purpose: as such, it doesn’t stand out in any overt sense. But then, it isn’t supposed to: it’s an ambient work. Its aim is to provide a subtle, supple sonic backdrop, an immersive soundscape and to this end, it’s magnificently realised and perfectly understated.
Big Noble Online
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