Modal Operandi

Album Description

Ian Boddy, a master synthesist, presents "Modal Operandi," a captivating exploration of sound and texture, released on March 14, 2024, under the Quiet Details label. This album is a testament to Boddy's prowess in crafting immersive sonic landscapes, blending genres such as space music, krautrock, ambient, new age, dark ambient, and drone into a cohesive and enthralling experience.

"Modal Operandi" is structured around the seven modes of the Western musical scale, each track named after a different mode: Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian. This conceptual framework provides a unique lens through which to experience the album, offering a sense of progression and discovery with each listen.

The album's duration is a concise 47 minutes, making it an ideal selection for both focused listening and background ambiance. Boddy's use of an impressive array of classic and modern synthesizers and effects is evident throughout, with instruments ranging from iconic Roland and EMS models to cutting-edge Eurorack and Serge systems.

Each track on "Modal Operandi" is crafted entirely in the analogue domain, showcasing Boddy's deep understanding and appreciation for the rich, organic sounds that analogue synthesis can produce. The result is a collection of tracks that are as thoughtful as they are engaging, inviting the listener to explore the subtle nuances and intricate details of each mode.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Ian Boddy's work or a newcomer to his unique brand of electronic music, "Modal Operandi" is sure to captivate and inspire. The album's blend of familiar and innovative sounds, along with its thoughtful conceptual framework, makes it a standout release in the world of electronic music.

March 14, 2024

2024 quiet details

About Ian Boddy

Ian Boddy, a pioneering figure in the British electronic music scene, has been crafting immersive sonic landscapes since the early 1980s. Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Boddy's journey began with a degree in Biochemistry, but his passion for the electronic soundscapes of bands like Tangerine Dream led him to explore the world of analogue synthesis and tape manipulation. His early works, released on the Mirage label, laid the foundation for a prolific career that spans ambient, new age, and space music genres.

Boddy's discography is vast and varied, with notable albums like "The Climb," "Spirits," and "Phoenix" marking his early years. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found the Something Else Records label, where he released several solo albums and collaborations, including works with Andy Pickford and Ron Boots. In 1999, he established DiN Records, a label dedicated to bridging the gap between the analogue sounds of the 1970s and the digital experimentation of modern electronic music.

As a composer and sound designer, Boddy's work extends beyond his solo albums. He has composed library music for TV, films, and documentaries, bringing a cinematic quality to his compositions. His live performances, often featuring modular synth patches, showcase his mastery of analogue synthesizers. With a career that spans over four decades, Ian Boddy continues to be a key figure in the electronic music movement, constantly pushing the boundaries of sound and innovation.