After a string of singles and a debut EP “Kick The Reel”, the multi-talented Edwin Pope, aka Mutant Vinyl, has finally released his debut album “Daffodils In Angel Town”. The title was inspired by a small plot of land in London’s Angel Town district, where flowers are only laid to commemorate the memory of a murdered citizen. This collection of songs shows Edwin’s ability to connect place, memory and music in a highly atmospheric and evocative manner. The record brings together all manner of eclectic influences with fusions of electro-jazz/ reggae/ambient/trip-hop that reflects some of the collaborations that Edwin has undertaken in the past; from Tricky, to the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. The album features guest spots from the likes of Keith Mullin (The Farm); the voice of Paige Leslie aka “Amorie”, and has been expertly mixed by long-time collaborator “Multitrack’s” Daniel Ferguson.
The album was recorded in a multitude of places including Travelodge Hotel Rooms, while sitting on Megabuses and while taking his many trips up and down the motorways of this glorious country. The saxophone and vocals were recorded with Dan Ferguson in a shed in Ferndown. All the collaborators sent Edwin their files from different corners of the world. Keith recorded his guitar into an iPad in Liverpool, Paige sent him vocals from the States, Jogeir gave him some guitar parts in Oslo and Josh recorded his drums in a WhatsApp voice-note. Edwin states “that lyrically the album reflects inner-city life, inner-city love & the rising political heat in London (Brexit, knife crime etc.). Bleak headlines became fruitful art to me”. Edwin has the belief of Steve from “Klee” his record label who signed him, to thank for the artistic freedom; as in the past no other label has given him this amount of artistic control.
The bumper 15 track record opens with “Ghosts Of Dorset” which is an ambient affair that takes influence from the writers home county and all the memories created from living there. It’s a mixture of beats, keys and a dash of saxophone; coupled with short bursts of vocals. The tune seems to drift nicely into the next and the album takes us on a journey through modern social commentary, with a host of layers and textures. It is clear that this is about pushing boundaries and taking personal musical influences to create new sounds. Like groundbreaking artists including “Massive Attack” and “The Orb” before him, the rule book has been thrown away. This brings the listener an album that can be revisited to enhance the experience, which seems to give you more each time you listen.
The album contains 11 brand new songs with four additional instrumentals, with many standout moments including the infectious ambient wonder of “Kick Out Kid” and the breathless energy of “Heads, Dreads” featuring delicately delivered vocals by Amorie. This is followed by the unmistakable “Dave Wells Dub” which seemingly has its origins straight from the heart of “Guns of Brixton”. The pulsating majesty of “Purple Columns” is a personal tribute to the Paisley Park One, whose music is still treasured around the world and here Ed pays him the ultimate tribute. The album is an alien landscape full of hidden corners, unpredictable influences and unprecedented innovative music that stimulates both mind and soul.
The album is available now on limited 12″ vinyl and download via Klee Music here:bit.ly/2TXJq3T
Track Listing
Ghosts of Dorset
Poh Poh
(Saturday Yeah Yawn)
8th & H
Pika
(Karneval)
Kick Out, Kid!
Jungle Lick In Soho
(Skye)
Puffin Song
Heads, Dreads
(Dave Wells Dub)
Purple Columns
Mutha Sista
Tear Down The Bunting
Guest Artists
Marc Haynes (Session Guitarist)
Amorie (Ramber Records)
Keith Mullin (The Farm)
Jack Hymers (China Crisis)
Kobi Pham (Wide Eyed Boy)
Saam Khamneh (Herís)
Jesse Eigen (Session Bassist)
Jogeir Maeland (Kalandra)
Helen Morrison (Baltic States)
Pal Hansen (Session Trumpeter)
Links
http://www.mutantvinyl.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/mutantvinyl
https://soundcloud.com/mutantvinyl
Words by David Chinery (Chinners).
