Fresh Squeezed: Sam Prekop

Sam Prekop Old Punch Card (Thrill Jockey, Sept. 7th)

It is rare that I am completely shocked but a new album, but the new album from Sam Prekop has done just that. Old Punch Card is Sam's first release since 2005, and it really comes out of nowhere. In fact, Prekop had this to say about the album, "I'd have to say this record is pretty much unlike anything else I've done". Prekop is the leader singer and main songwriter for the band The Sea & Cake, but us also a painter and photographer.

To break away from his normal sound his implemented a couple of rules. No vocals, no guitar (though he slipped in this regard on one track), and no beats. Most of the sound material is generated by a modular synthesizer. The result of these rules is an album that is free and unpredictable. The album was recorded entirely in Prekop's home studio, and it is clear that Prekop allowed the music to control the project. It is a drastic departure, but an extremely beautiful and intense collection sounds.

01 Old Punch Card
02 Array Wicket
03 Knitting Needles
04 Brambles
05 Tell Work
06 November September
07 A Places
08 Lazy House
09 The Silhouettes (mp3)

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