Engravings
* Includes PDF version of original 'Engravings' zine *
On Forest Swords’ 2010 EP Dagger Paths, the web of dub, psych, dance, and drone spun by UK producer Matthew Barnes felt instantly singular. Engravings is the perfect sequel, cementing his knack for creating complex effects with elementary methods. Every song here is boldly sensual, and each note has a distinct emotional hue.
An intoxicating debut album from Matthew Barnes, influenced by the Viking history of the Wirral countryside.
From its opening notes, Forest Swords' debut album – after last year's well-received mini, Dagger Paths – is an understated and hauntingly beautiful experience. Combining guitar, drums, field recordings and delicately sampled and treated vocals, it is a perfect fit for groundbreaking NYC label Tri Angle, who brought you the likes of Holy Other, Haxan Cloak and Evian Christ
Recorded in the countryside "Thor's Stone" is a nod to his hometown's Norse heritage Engravings sees the artist employing fractured choral voices, militant drums, swirling guitars and the occasional harpsichord (notably on album standout "The Weight of Gold") to create a tapestry of sounds both experimental and organic.
Album review: Clash gives a double thumbs up to the "exquisitely articulated darkness" of the first Forest Swords album, 'Engravings', released on Tri-Angle.
The first full-length release from producer Matthew Barnes is a mesmerising fusion of dub, post-rock and R&B, writes <strong>Hermione Hoby</strong>
Matthew Barnes’ first full-length album as Forest Swords (following an acclaimed debut EP in 2009) is a collection of soundscapes that are alternately...