Oh, man. You know that feeling you get when you’re rifling through shelves at a record shop, and you stumble on something that sounds intriguing, and then you play it, and it turns out to be amazing? Well, I had a similar experience recently. Of course, in my case it was a bunch of e-mails I was rifling through, but same difference. See, there was this message from a young guy called Malcom Lacey. Normally incoming stuff has some huge ream of press bumf attached, but this one didn’t. It was just a couple of lines, and not a lot in the way of hints about what to expect.
I like to think I’m a pretty generous guy. I tend to assume stuff will be at least all right, and then I have a listen to find out. I mean, sure, if it’s the latest “hit” by Shwawn Deezzy feat. MC Bustanut [Names were invented out of my own head and are not intended to refer to real people: if anybody actually goes by these names then a) I apologise, and b) seriously, change your name.] then I have a bit of an inkling it might not be my thing, but hey – nobody’s perfect. The point is, I wasn’t assuming the tracks were going to be bad. Also, I wasn’t expecting them to actually blow my mind.
Before I go any further, let me just give you a warning. It’s probably best not to listen to Arrange if you’re feeling a bit low. I played through debut album “Plantation” on the train, and just about broke down in tears a couple of times. A touch awkward.
Okay, I’m glad I got that off my chest. Arrange is the solo effort of the aforementioned Mr Lacey, who makes expansive, minimal music of disgustingly good quality despite only having been at it for a year. He’s inspired by the likes of Brian Eno and Akira Kosemura, which, if you have a listen to the tracks, will not surprise you in the least. Elegant piano refrains? Check. Sweeping ambient pads? Check. A whole bunch of Grammys? Presumably in the pipeline.
He touches on moments of pure Mogwai: “Golden Neighborhoods” especially has an “Auto Rock” feel to it. And in case you thought he was all about slow-paced ambience, “Sore” samples up some soul vocals and a funk beat for a quick detour into hip-hop. Did I mention that he sounds like Conor Oberst? No? He does. If Conor Oberst joined Memoryhouse, and agreed to sing at a half-whisper, this is pretty much what the end result would sound like. Can I just add as a little aside to Conor, Denise and Evan that this is an incredible idea, and they really should consider it.
If you’re looking for something light and disposable to stick on at a party, then you should probably keep looking. On the other hand, if you feel like something engrossing that you can lie in your room and mope to for an hour, head on over to Malcom’s Bandcamp, where you can download “Plantation”, and a bunch of EPs, for free. In the meantime, check out our hand-picked highlights below. Just, bring tissues.
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Arrange – “When’d You Find Me”
Arrange – “Tearing Up Old Asphalt”
Arrange – “Golden Neighborhoods”
Arrange – “Blinds With You”
