Moog Music recently released the Moog Sound Studio, what’s described as “a new semi-modular synthesizer experience” intended to provide all the tools required to step into the world of electronic music. With two variants to chose from and an alluringly packaged design (including art by Jim Stoten and Philip Lindeman), the new models are being marketed to newbies and experts alike, no matter their preferred style.
As if to prove this versatility, Moog have recruited seven renowned artists for a brand new EP, each heading off in a different direction. From the chiptune-centric work of Bonobo, to the lush pop of Peter CottonTale and Jamila Woods, the songs were all crafted entirely with the equipment provided in the new packages, and highlight the versatility of the Moog set-up. Dan Deacon‘s ‘Green Heart’ races into life like a 16-bit game set on fast forward, Madame Ghandi’s ‘Bending Time’ offers a moody, attitude-filled beat, and both Martial Canterel and Ela Minus take on retro synth pop, though from opposing ends of the spectrum.
All of the tracks stand in contrast to Julianna Barwick‘s ‘Open Master’, a song that swaps out the harsh edge and frantic beats to exploit a different side to the Moog Sound Studio entirely. Drifting into life from a clouded swirl, the song balances ambiguity and focus to great effect, its ethereal tone fogged and strange yet shot through with light. Barwick’s vocals serve as another layer of this gauze, conjuring an ever shifting collage marked with a devotional edge.
Explorations in Analog Synthesis is out now and available to stream on the Moog Soundcloud page.
