Cleveland, Ohio synth duo Mist possess a very interesting synth collection; utilised on this album are a Moog Voyager OS, Prophet 600, SH-101, Polysix, RS-101 and a Mopho, amongst others. They put these to good use, creating dramatic and differing textures, which at first sounds very 80’s, but quickly becomes very modern.
Beginning with a stuttering melodic sequence which carries the whole track through, “Twin Lanes” bursts to life as pads and synth strings make a sudden grandiose appearance. Waves of white noise pop and fade in the background as more chattering lines pan from speaker to speaker, like birds in chorus. As an opening track, it states all intentions quite perfectly. A rubbery bassline bounces back and forth as “I Can Still Hear Your Voice”
carries a similar theme explored on nearly every track here: a sequenced synth or bass line provides momentum as different textures and melodies glide over the top. While being slightly repetitive, Mist do it well, as each piece differs in pace and timbre to keep things from sounding like one massive synth blow. This track takes off around the halfway mark, as chaotic lines fizz and slide around like falling stars. “Mist House” as well as being the shortest track, is also the most direct and to the point coming neatly to a conclusion at a little over 4 minutes. “Daydream” stands out as being the most contemplative piece here, namely due to the fact that thereÃ’s no sequencers or arpeggiators being used. Like fog around a house, it blankets and distorts the view through the windows, and puts things way out of focus. “Dead Occasion” could almost be a pop song structure, with a careful bassline plotting the trajectory before a tidal wave of white noise washes into “Ovary Stunts”, which holds the title for most meticulously sequenced track. Arpeggiated synth and fluctuating blastbeats of white noise push the pace, and as like many other pieces here other synths appear before too long, trading ideas and melodies. “P.M.” closes proceedings with some nice detuned action, before the main melody fades in. Out of time tones jump in and out, before the piece morphs into 3/4 time, fading out the album with it’s strongest piece.
Mist present a fairly strong sophomore effort with House, released on Spectrum Spools, a sub-label of the mighty Editions Mego imprint. Cut at the imitable Dubplates and Mastering, it certainly sounds the goods. Apart from being slightly repetitive (there’s only so many arpeggios you can fit onto a disc of this kind), they create an interesting and original set of synth gems. Now, where’s my Tangerine Dream t-shirt?
Nick Giles
