Pan American vs Janek Schaefer marks the third release in FatCat's split 12" series. Curated by Dave Howell of Obsessive Eye, with aid from Dave Cawley & Alex Knight, this collection will run in parallel with Fat Cat's (ir)regular output, opening out a series of strange combinations/fusions, introducing unknown/up-and-coming artists, and charting a more diverse, abstract terrain for the label.
PAN-AMERICAN
Pan American exists as a solo project for Mark Nelson, guitarist / singer for US post-rock pioneers Labradford. Sequenced collage, mixing electronic instrumentation (the central Rhodes piano motif; sine-wave bass; drum machine), with effects procedures, and more concrete-style samples (a metal pipe rolling on a wooden floor; clanking saucepan lids, etc.) Stately, slow-motion glide. Langorous; hypnotic, revealing a slowly-unfolding tapestry of entwining beats and simple, sumptuous melodies.
JANEK SCHAEFER
Janek is a practising architect and former student at the RCA. This split 12" marks his first full-scale release to date.Performed totally live in a collage technique. Vinyl source material is processed through Schaefer's custom-built 'tri-phonic' turntable (a bi-directional, ultra vari-speed, three tone-arm deck), and simultaneously manipulated through cheap repetition machines & black box filters. 'Wash Bag Cut' is generated entirely through a live exploration of the phono jack. Dark, subterranean ambience; fllickering clusters of rhythms, tingling percussive foliage.
supported by 6 fans who also own “Split Series #3”
Even if he says otherwise, Ian Hawgood is super prolific and incredibly talented in not only his own releases, but in collaborations and with the heart & soul put into the labels he's run over the years.
Saying all that, this is a more recent favorite release of Ian's: peaceful, deceivingly simple (yet not!) piano works that is personal, elegant and graceful in its warmth and presentation. Plus it's for a wonderful cause. Get it!! Joe Borreson
London label Blank Mind takes an unprecedented deep dive into the early-’90s love triangle between breakbeat hardcore, jungle, and new age. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 28, 2024
Pivoting from German to English, disco to soft rock, the groovy Swiss duo branch out on their first album in six years. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 28, 2024
supported by 6 fans who also own “Split Series #3”
One long drone, augmentet by bowed strings, harmonium, gongs, sea shells and bells, creating an immersive, organic meditative environment; well done! polinos