NEW YORK, NY (Rykodisc) - The newly re-launched
All Saints Records is set to release the sophomore effort Distance from the newly signed band Marconi Union on March 14th in North America. Marconi Union are two musicians from Manchester who have been making music for over 20 years, drawing comparisons with artists such as Sigur Ros, Boards of Canada, Neu and Talk Talk. Their sound on Distance has been memorably described as "Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here remixed by Basic Channel" and is a mix of hypnotic, lush electronica and pulsing rhythms, interwoven with strings, pianos and occasional guitars.
Distance revolves around the themes of City Living and Travel, its seven tracks superbly evoke images of airport lounges, hotel lobbies and midnight drives through rain soaked streets. It is a "listening" album, which reveals new levels every time it is played, evolving from a multi-layered sound-scape, into a compelling musical experience. Musical themes are reworked and regularly reappear throughout the album in different forms, effectively adding to the feel of a complete work divided into seven sections.
The album's beautiful packaging, and stunning design work by well-known British artist and designer, Nick Roberts has also drawn attention, having been featured in several publications including The Architectural Review.
Initial reaction to the album, has been amazing, with Distance already being hailed in some quarters as an "ambient classic."
Uncut - "Fans of Mogwai's celestial peaks or Labradford's weightless drift would do well to investigate this fine album by a publicity-shy pair. A sleek response to their 2003 debut, Under Wires And Searchlights, Distance's seven instrumental pieces unfold slowly, gracefully. Sleepless and These European Cities suggest Boards Of Canada fleshed out by Basic Channel, while Buildings And People could be Tortoise burnished by Brian Eno. You can see why: like Eno, these guys are master manipulators." (**** 4 Stars)
Boomkat.com - Manchester's Marconi Union wrong-footed everyone and released one of the years finest albums (Boomkat top 50 albums of the year)
The Wire - Deftly structured and sensitively performed, each of the seven compositions is a burnished and reflective set of surfaces, beautifully blank and capable of capturing the attention.
Observer Music Monthly - the reclusive Manc duo deliver seven cuts of masterful, celestial electronica.
