halfset – dramanalog (elusive)

we already know elusive through their compilation electra that was presenting their sound intentions. halfset is latest signing on this irish label and this is their fifth release that reinforces the labels intention in releasing organic melodic electronica. under halfset are hiding stephen shannon, producer/engineer and jeff martin who has two solo releases behind him. on dramanalog they made mixture of analog electronic sound, analog synths and warm atmospheres in combination with real instruments such as guitar, banjo, mandola, glockenspiel, melodica… as well as occasional vocals. all that supported with programmed downtempo beats. recently halfset started working with live drummer cillian mc donnell formerly of jubilee allstars, a harpist/rhodes pianist sinead nic gearailt and a jazz trumpet player bill blackmore. the result is live show built on beat driven electronica with melodic flow. this sound is already well known from labels like audiobulb, autres directions in music… and well more established ones like morr music or city centre offices, despite elusive are much more into idm-ish oriented pop electronics. warm organic melodies, popy intentions and soulful electronics are clichés used for producing and describing this kind of sound. too much labels and artists are now dealing with this sound so it became a bit boring already. but anyway… try it and you will see if you will like it.