Tycho: Past is Prologue

More Tycho. This guy is so good at what he does. Past is Prologue is the fruition of Scott Hanson, a San Francisco artist and producer. Having more mainstream success that before, Tycho has even had one song ("Cascade") appear on Toonami on its last ever stream. As said by Ghostly International, "Hansen blends swirling melodies into vaguely triumphant arcs that crisscross between stuttering beats and vocal samples, creating rolling sonic landscapes that extend into the horizon. Known in the design world as ISO50, Hansen is famed for his bucolic, sun-drenched design style, which serves as a backdrop and mirror for his musical output." Nothing else can be said. A lush, expansive imaginary landscape of sepia-toned keyboards, warm downtempo beats, and mile after mile of sun-dappled beauty fill this album. This album, as well as his other releases, have a similar sound, which is loved by many. Listen to these on a rainy night, or anytime, and you'll be sure to pick out some odd and keen sounds. An avid listener is best for these songs.

Past is Prologue gets a 9.4 out of 10. Let's hope he releases some new music soon.

This is only the beginning of what's to come.

Tycho: The Science of Patterns

Tycho is not well known. This is a fact. However, his entrance into the music scene has made him an amazing electronic composer. This debut EP, The Science of Patterns, brings to light Tycho's ideas, skills, and ambitions. The slow chimes and the slow ah's from the first song set the mood for the entire EP. The bass is nothing to fret about either. Cruise around town listening to some of these songs, and prepare to be stared at. The second track is, in my opinion, the most outstanding song of them all. Named "Human Condition", it climatically reaches its forte during the middle, with the continuous beat, and the amazing chillness. The spinning sounds that occur set it apart from the rest of the EP. "Systems" is yet another amazing song. The song makes you want to jump up and down, playing the song on repeat. I would know; I did it. Tycho truly made a masterpiece of a debut EP, and it paved the way for his other albums that would come in the future. The futuristic sounding EP is a memento of ambient music.

Tycho's debut EP, The Science of Patterns, gets a 9.1 out of 10. "In The End" is a bonus track of this ancient release. Be sure to get it.

Kids. Perfect for a chill EP.

Alvin Band: Mantis Preying

Honestly, who has ever heard of Alvin Band? The only reason I figured them out is because a girl in my PreCalculus class told me to listen to them after we raved about Animal Collective. All I can say is, thank you Kathleen, and where has this band been all my life? Alvin Band is said to be an artist who sings in a "stream of consciousness". This means, in lay man's terms, that he sings whatever comes to mind, or so I think. His intro to the album begins with a heavy bang, sounding like a monster coming down a hall. When the first words hit Alvin Band's mouth, feelings of hearing his before occur. This is mistaken, however. The mistaken artist is Animal Collective. I couldn't believe the similarity to them after I heard the first song, and so forth. "Cyberspace 2008" really stands out as a song to not miss. The slurping, the bopping, the mood. All coexist with AC perfectly. "With the kangaroo at the local zoo" are just a few lyrics in this song, showing the stream of consciousness mode. This is not a bad thing at all.  Unto the rating.



Mantis Preying gets an 8.6 out of 10. They aren't exactly AC, but they sure are close.

This looks like it was drawn on LSD.