"Cloudface" by The Devil in the Design

The latest from Phil Ogison's project The Devil in the Design,
"Cloudface" is a disc that brilliantly captures the treated and
processed guitar magic that Phil has become known for.
Based around the idea that the sky surrounds us in a state
of constant flux, Phil has crafted a powerful piece of ambient
work performed entirely live without the use of synthesizers.
Featuring cover art by the very talented Menno Krant,
"Cloudface" is a remarkable work.

With the lulling and hypnotic repeated phrases of opening track
"Cloudface", the tone of the album is set, drawing the listener
into a sense of calm relaxation. Track two, "Clouds Days
Thoughts Cares Happy Sad Come Go" continues in a similar
vein expanding upon the ideas established previously and adding
minimal melodic elements. Low drones circle around and gain
strength with the passing of time, developing greater definition
and clarity, ultimately bringing to mind the ideal of all of the
words in the title.

"Space Night Dreams Fears Stars Moon Empty Full" is a
similarly evocative piece, this time playing out in a darker vein
with deep drones and a more imposing sense of space. Where
previously there had been subtlety and nuance, there's now a
more palpable feeling to the disc. A truly wonderful instance
of dark ambience.

The fourth track "Crepuscule" returns to a lighter territory,
with softly evolving guitar textures playing throughout.
Echoing patterns slowly give way to new forms, a slight
shift suggesting organicism and life.

"Shadow Sun Hiding Seeking Stormclouds on the Run" brings
together low drone forms with echoing phrases and accelerating
chords. There's a certain feeling of energy in this one, the idea
of discovery. Beautiful.

"Cloudface (Finale)" closes the disc, taking elements from
everything before and wrapping it all in a clear and concise package.
Tones flow all around the soundfield and somehow everything
beautiful from the earlier tracks is made more apparent, shiny.

Phil's work has always impressed me, always been something
that I've enjoyed. With the release of "Cloudface", he has created
an album that stands up with his best work, a piece of great beauty
and wonder that deserves further notice and discovery. I strongly
recommend this disc.

rik maclean - rik@pingthings.com

http://www.pingthings.com = ambient + electronic + chill things

There is a certain quintessential beauty to behold (if and when one feels so inclined) in drone music. Such is the case with Phil Ogison's newest offering "cloudface". He says it is a testament to the sky - "the space above us" - and how much like our own lives sometimes "cloud covered, sometimes empty, and other times full of stars". This is never more true than when listening to the carefully created, slow-moving (yet, eternally-evolving) smears of guitar drone elicited from one, ‘The Devil In The Design’. Textures and distinct timbres of sound and space remind me of early ‘Growing’, or even the more memorable works of Keith Rowe. but there is something so uniquely and unequivocally effectual about "cloudface"; it is as if the stars had aligned metaphysically in the wake of a better time - a better place. This music is not rushed, nor forceful, but instead bares a stately presence, a meticulous balance between power and passion. It is indeed a welcome invitation to John Cage's own "imaginary landscapes", rife with the darkness and sadness so apparent in others of the genre including the legendary work of ‘deathprod’ and the like. Phil Ogison has created a total sonic experience, so flawlessly crafted and lovingly embraced, the skies have rained down grace. It has been picked up, put together, and drawn out for utilitarian comfort. A coining work, "cloudface" is an offering of genius proportions, an "analogy for the mind in pristine repose", a stunning testament to the American geological past and human existence.

The only thing treasured more greatly than your work is yourself, Phil.