Description

Vinyl Records London are on cloud nine, we are now spinning in a brand new copy in LP Vinyl from Floating Points Shepherd before it became clear the immersive, intricate nature of his music demanded expansion. Following his critically acclaimed debut Elaenia this is exactly what happened and Floating Points live became a band of incredibly talented musicians with Sam at the helm. Now, Floating Points has announced a new short film and soundtrack, featuring entirely new and unheard compositions Reflections Mojave Desert via Pluto on 30 June. The film, in collaboration with director Anna Diaz Ortuntildeo, finds the ensemble in a thrilling sonic exploration of environment under an endless desert sky. ldquoWhilst we were out playing and exploring the area around us the sound reflecting from the rocks, the sound of the wind between them, complete stillness at night and packs of roaming coyotes in the distance, it became apparent that we could use this as its own unique recording environment.rdquo Sam Shepherd, Floating Points The first in a planned series of environmental recordings by Floating Points to be filmed and recorded at different locations around the world the recording was made last year, as Floating Points travelled to the Mojave to rehearse in between US touring. Immediately struck by the distinct sonic tapestry created by the rock formations and valleys, Sam and the band set up a recording operation and filmed this new work at the base of the natural sculptures they encountered. The music of Reflections Mojave Desert mirrors the landscape soaring and vast, dynamic and intimate, centred around two longer works and shorter pieces that create a singular and seamless experience. Reflections Mojave Desert begins with chords played on a Rhodes Chroma and recorded with a surround sound microphone. Throughout the filming, microphones were placed throughout the landscape to capture the natural sonic textures of the desert the undulating sound of wind, a bird call, the rustling of bushes and more created a backdrop on which much of the record rests. The music softly shifts from the Fender Rhodes introduction to lsquoSilurian Bluersquo, an expansive full band piece that balances refined restraint with explosiveness. In one scene, lsquoKitesrsquo, Sam Shepherd walks through a valley with a superdirectional microphone, swinging it back and forth as a synthesiser loop gets faster to showcase the natural reverb and shifting phase of sound waves. lsquoKelso Dunesrsquo signals the filmrsquos final act the sky grows dark, lasers flash, the band and rocks gleaming in the pitch black around them. One of Londonrsquos most soughtafter DJs, producers and live entities, Floating Points has toured with The xx supporting their recordbreaking string of dates at Brixton Academy, collaborated with Caribou, Four Tet, and has performed across the globe including festivals like Glastonbury, Primavera, and Pitchfork Festival Europe. Floating Pointsrsquo debut LP Elaenia was deemed Resident Advisorrsquos lsquoAlbum of the Yearrsquo as well as Mojorsquos lsquoElectronic Album of the Yearrsquo in 2015. This was followed by the Kuiper EP in 2016. Sam also hosts the internationally renowned Yoursquore A Melody DJ parties and coruns the Melodies International reissues label.