Review : Wil Bolton - Time Lapse

Hibernate Recordings have been regularly releasing essential works for some time now and with the addition of Liverpool based experimental artist and composer Wil Bolton to its roster, this trend shows no signs of stopping.

Though Bolton has been commissioned for various installations including the Tate Liverpool, most readers will probably know him best for his work under the moniker Cheju. As Cheju, the artist has produced offerings on labels such as U-Cover, Caravan and Bolton's own Boltfish, to name but a few. Perhaps influenced by the aforementioned sound art work, the tracks within Time Lapse show a change from the Cheju material, sounding more minimal and thoughtful here while working with electronica, synthesisers and field recordings. Indeed, the various locations of the field recordings are of note, with such places as North Wales, South Korea, Tunisia and Liverpool Cathedral being captured and meticulously worked into a fabric of subtle drones and discreet synth ambience.

Time Lapse opens with Falling Away, a beautiful track which combines muted electronic tones and a field recording of a cafe, effortlessly woven together into a lush soundscape. It's a suitable beginning to an album which then goes on to provide track after track of top drawer audio, proving a perfect companion to the cold December weather. Slate is a standout piece which highlights Bolton's patience and restraint, slowly revolving around a simple keyboard refrain which anchors the chimes and more pronounced electronica. Time Lapse is a superb album which further solidifies Bolton's place along with the best of his fellow experimental music artists.

Time Lapse is available now from Hibernate Recordings and comes in a run of 300 CD's packaged in a beautiful four panel gatefold cover. The digital version is available from iTunes and various other online retailers.

HB22: Wil Bolton: Time Lapse Sampler by hibernate

Review by Adam Williams for Futuresequence