Opiate

While You Were Sleeping - April/Fusion III

Denmark's Thomas Knak is best known for his two contributions to Bjork's Vespertine album, including it's third single "Cocoon." This is the young electronic music producer's second CD, collecting pieces from CD and vinyl compilations. The Opiate sound is like that played by a high tech musical box - equal parts mechanical and melodic. Time-keeping clicks and pops support soft melodies from vibes or electric piano in pieces like "Dromte Mig En Drom," originally part of the Hmm compilation inspired by traditional hymns. Less traditional are the typing/printing sounds over the lulling chords of "1% In 2/3 Speed" which were used by Bjork at a different speed and arrangement as the basis of "Undo" on Vespertine. Since his acclaimed solo debut in 1999 (Objects For An Ideal World) Knak's music has been sought after by several cutting-edge labels, and among the interesting tracks featured here are pieces commissioned by Bomb The Bass' Electric Tones label and Thaddeus Herrmann's City Centre Offices imprint.

Publication Date: 2002-08-04
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=1653