Tracklist
01. Tilleul
02. Moistened Palms
03. Eden
04. A Lucky Dip
05. Emulette
06. Future Plans
07. When Does It Start
08. A Mountain of Flutes
09. Ombilical
10. Happy Neal

Reviews

English
Loop, Textura

Various
Autres Directions (fr), BT (no), Caleidoscoop (nl), Groove (no)

FEN004: Christophe Bailleau & Neal Williams
- On Soft Mountains We Work Magic
Released: June 14th, 2008

5/7 - "A very beautiful album you could dive deeply into."
-Groove

"Superb. Wonderful experimental music within a melancholic framework."
-Caleidoscoop

"An arresting mosaic of sound."
-Textura

"Gorgeous melodies and hazy soundscapes."
-Loop

Fenêtre Records presents its fifth release, this time the full-length collaboration album between French multi-artist and electronica afficinado Christophe Bailleau and American folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Neal Williams, also known from his moniker Possible Selves. Bailleau makes a welcome return to the Norwegian label since his remix of Greg Haines' exquisite "Snow Airport" for the label compilation RUFS. On On Soft Mountains We Work Magic, we find two quite different artists, both taking turns to feature prominently, but also presenting us with this magic of theirs that emerges, precisely as promised, when they combine their talents. Williams has a rasp, distinct voice and plays lovely folk-like melodies, both voice and instrumentation managing to sound meticulous and close but slightly out-of-tune and shaky, reminiscent of the vocal talents of his peers in Bill Callahan (aka Smog) and Simon Joyner. Bailleau on the other hand lays out lovely soundscapes as backing melodies, but also whole compositions bereft of Williams' voice.

Together the two weave rich textures and sonic patterns, fragmented melodies that we tune into before hurriedly moving on to find some other focal point, and overall the album has a very colourful feel in its presentation. In addition the compositions capture several atmospheres, some huge and floating expanse, wonderously unknown as Bailleau works his electronic magic, at times alien and unnerving, but also warm and fuzzy, carefully nested in more traditional folk tones with down-to-earth acoustic guitar melodies carried forward by Neal Williams' soothing voice.

Artwork by Erik K. Skodvin
Mastered by Andreas Tilliander