Turn the Page album
Turn the page marks a new beginning for Craggz and Parallel, not only in a change of name and lineup, it also showcases a new sound and direction in their work.
After the success of the critically acclaimed debut album ‘Northern Soul’ released on Valve Recordings in late 2006, one half of Parallel Forces decided to pursue other avenues. Over night the trio became a duo, with the change in line up came a change in the working dynamic. The duo had to regroup and find a new way of working, both felt that a new direction and sound had to be carved out to represent their individual influences. They made a conscious decision to move away from the sound and identity they had developed previously.
Keen to create something new and innovative, they took their time to experiment and develop a new sound, a strong electronic theme began to emerge in their productions. The first 12” that encapsulated this new direction was ‘Shake the Disease/Magnetise’ released on their own Product imprint in early 2009. Having reached a point again where the duo felt they had something to say musically the decision to commence work on their second album was made, the aptly titled ‘Turn The Page’.
Drawing on influences from electronic music, past and present, from early Techno and 80’s Synth Pop through to the myriad of contemporary dance music genres, a unique approach to the production was required. Having worked previously with a completely software based setup the duo decided to combine analogue synthesis with modern production techniques. The key ingredient in this approach was the reintroduction of classic analogue synths in the recording process. This saw the duo jamming in the studio and recording synth lines in real time into the arrangements as they developed.
A decision was made to steer clear of samples in an effort to create a new and original sound, even the majority of drum sounds were triggered from classic drum machines. A diverse roster of vocalists feature throughout the LP. Tough Hip Hop battle rhymes from DRS, 80’s tinged Dépêche Mode style vocals provided by Warren Dite and the Techno influenced spoken word stylings of Winterman provide the project with an exciting vocal palette. The end result is an album that varies in mood and tempo, from deep and minimal Electronica to tough and growling dance floor riddims for Drum & Bass heads and lovers of Electronic music alike.
The album again won critical acclaim receiving album of the week in the Independent newspaper as well as the the title track ‘Turn The Page’ being snapped up by Andy C to open his most recent installment of the hugely popular night life series on Ram Records.
After releasing two remixes from the album by two of scenes hottest producers Jubei and Need For Mirrors towards the end of last year Craggz and Parallel are ready once again to unleash a whole host of fresh material in 2012.
Where will the sound go next? Watch this space…….
