Smoke & Mirrors

Album Description

"Smoke & Mirrors" is the latest sonic exploration from Ian Boddy, a veteran artist in the realms of space music, krautrock, and ambient. Released on January 7, 2022, via the renowned DiN label, this album is a collaborative effort with Nigel Mullaney, resulting in a captivating journey through eleven meticulously crafted tracks. With a total runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes, this album is a testament to Boddy's enduring ability to create immersive soundscapes that transcend traditional genres.

The album opens with "Forever," setting the stage for a journey that seamlessly blends the ethereal qualities of dark ambient and drone with the rhythmic foundations of krautrock. Each track, from the introspective "First Steps" to the pulsating "Paradigm Shift," offers a unique sonic experience, showcasing the duo's mastery of texture and atmosphere. The two-part "Noise Lab" series adds a layer of experimental intrigue, while tracks like "Vanguard" and "Run the Clock Down" demonstrate a keen sense of rhythm and progression.

"Smoke & Mirrors" is not just an album; it's an experience that invites the listener to explore the depths of Ian Boddy's sonic universe. The album's diverse influences and innovative production techniques make it a standout release in the new age and ambient genres. Whether you're a long-time fan of Ian Boddy's work or a newcomer to his music, "Smoke & Mirrors" promises an engaging and thought-provoking listening experience.

7 januari 2022

(P) 2021 Something Else Music Limited

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.