Vancouver-based composer and trained opera singer Ian William Craig is a favorite around these parts, and he’s back with a follow-up to this year’s Zugzwang for Fostex and last year’s Cradle for the Wanting. Judging from the downright stunning “A Single Hope,” Centres is going to be one of the summer’s best ambient releases. The track is more melodic and poppier than what we’ve heard from Craig before, laced with the warped waves of tape hiss that he’s been developing for the past several years.
Centres marks Craig’s first work for FatCat’s post-classical imprint 130701, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. He’s also featured on 130701’s compilation celebrating that milestone, which contains 11 new tracks from the label’s past artists like Set Fire to Flames, Max Richter, and Jóhann Jóhannsson, as well as new signings like Craig, out July 15. Also coming in July is a reissue of German pianist Hauschka’s debut for the label, 2007’s Room to Expand. All the records mentioned above will be released on vinyl, CD, and digital formats.
Look for Ian William Craig’s Centres on July 8, and listen to the premiere of “A Single Hope” below.
Centres tracklist:
01. Contain (Astoria Version)
02. A Single Hope
03. Drifting to Void on All Sides
04. The Nearness
05. Set to Lapse
06. Power Colour Spirit Animal
07. Arrive, Arrive
08. A Circle Without Having to Curve
09. An Ocean Only You Could See
10. Purpose (Is No Country)
11. It Need Not be Hopeless
12. Innermost
13. Contain (Cedar Version)
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