Bryan Ford’s Shoe Tree EP is a cohesive package from Revolutionary Music featuring three strikingly gorgeous yet haunting downtempo electronic tracks that rely on live instrumentation rather than samples. One should expect nothing less from Ford, a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and remixer … basically an all-around studio wizard based in Chicago. The Shoe Tree EP is Bryan’s first official release in two years, debuting a string of releases scheduled for 2014. Videos have been produced for each of its cuts … rightfully so as the release’s overall psychedelic mystique is perfect for pairing with visuals.
Ford dusts off any production blues nicely with “Lead Belly,” opening in warm static and chords before the bass hits, alongside perfectly situated percussion, joined by swirling electric guitar riffs. “Bob Rob Ramage” operates in the realm of dub with a Jamaican ragga-style bass line, a synth melody that transports the listener straight to Bali, and rapid-fire, but loose, timpani drums. Cryptically, one can also hear the ramblings of a strange gentleman run in the background. The bright and slightly spacey funk-based “Shoe Tree” features high pitched synths, a distorted bass, and gentle keys that play amongst light percussion to nicely close out the EP. All in all, Bryan Ford’s latest is sure to treat the minds of anyone searching for a greater groove.
Nick Warren - “Excellent EP from Bryan Ford … well done, sir.”
Dogu (Ancient Astronauts / Switchstance) - “‘Lead Belly’ is very cool. I love the vibe and guitar work.”
Basement Freaks - “Good stuff.”
ALTZ (Bear Funk / DFA) - “I feel like my mind is floating to the track ‘Shoe Tree.’”
Black Mighty Wax (Irma Records) - “These chilled grooves are right on the sound of today.”
Adam Warped (Whiskey Pickle) - “Excellent cinematic soundscapes.”
Clive Craske (Radio Reverb) - “Languorous blues guitar wafts over smokey beats and bass. Float downstream to the funky keys, with your mind in neutral.”
Aja Allsop (Ketch A Vibe Radio Show) - “A truly enlightening EP.”
Mark Mac (The Sounds Collective) - “Smooth and excellently produced chilled beats. I want to hear more.”
DJ Morpheus (Lysergic Factory) - “I like all three tracks here … dope stuff! ‘Lead Belly’ in particular is so fresh and special.”
The Orator (High On Beats) - “Such a blissful release.”
Feodor AllRight & Elena Mechta (AMDJS Radio Show, Moscow) - “This one of the most wicked records I’ve heard in a while.”
Available now from Juno Download and iTunes.