See Blue Audio: ambient / electronic / beatless / cinematic / downtempo / eclectic / introspective… Shade rather than light...

'Shade Rather Than Light: Anthology | Two' (SBA #032)

*** 'See Blue Audio Anthology Two Mix', a continuous DJ mix from Fragile X featuring tracks from the See Blue Audio catalogue, is included with 'Shade Rather Than Light: Anthology | Two'. The full quality WAV version will be sent to purchasers on request. ***

On March 1, 2021, See Blue Audio released the compilation 'Shade Rather Than Light: Anthology | One' covering the first 15 releases on the label, which was launched two years previously to the day. This collection featured one track from each release to represent the full spectrum of music alongside an exclusive new track and continuous DJ mix. A little over a year later, the next 15 releases are similarly represented on 'Shade Rather Than Light: Anthology | Two' with an exclusive remix as the sixteenth track on the thirty-second release on See Blue Audio.

Several new artists joined the label over the last 12 months alongside further releases from f5point6, Fragile X, Steve Hadfield and Simon McCorry. Bagaski with an album and EP of his atonal atmospherics; Thomas Ragsdale’s fast-developing Sulk Rooms drone project provided two longform tracks on ‘First Vows’; and John Sellekaers released the dreamlike ‘These Possible Lives’ album under his Night Sky Pulse alias. Versylen, Rhombus Index, Violet Mist, Electric Supply Station and Isolated Community also presented their distinctive musical visions taking the See Blue Audio ethos of ‘shade rather than light’ into different spaces and uncharted territory. In addition, there has been strong support for the label from online magazines and music blogs as well as regular radio play on numerous shows and mix series on the international electronic music scene.

One of the principles of See Blue Audio is that every release should include at least one beatless track or remix and ‘Shade Rather Than Light: Anthology | Two’ has several. It also includes the first ever remix on the label with a Fragile X reimagining of ‘Spring Prayer’ by Bagaski. As well as opening his ‘Final’ album, this track directly follows ‘Shade Rather Than Light: Anthology | One’, and the original is a short, almost gothic, synthesizer piece. Using his Leit Motif minimalist guise, Fragile X has transformed it into an extended ambient excursion that’s simultaneously a joyous celebration of nature and a pause for inner reflection. It’s a sublime way to herald the forthcoming return of spring with abundant birdsong as the title ‘Dawn Chorus’ suggests.

Fragile X has again put together the continuous DJ mix tracing the second stage of the label's evolution. As with the first compilation, it runs at almost 80 minutes to capture the vibe of a mix CD and is another meticulously crafted, immersive exploration of the See Blue Audio back catalogue. The subtle looping effects have also brought out the otherworldly, almost psychedelic undertones running through the music. Headphones are again recommended.

The closing of the second cycle of See Blue Audio is now complete and third cycle can commence with album-based projects already lined up from Night Sky Pulse, f5point6 and Bagaski as well as further additions to the label’s roster. The adventure continues.

'Home' mastered by Richard Jones at Dark Fidelity Hi Fi Studios.

'Flow 01' mastered by Ian Hawgood.

'Ultrazukunft' and 'Spring Prayer (Leit Motif 'Dawn Chorus' Remix)' mastered by Thomas Ragsdale.

Photography: R.Cleveland Aaron.