Nest is the collaborative project of Otto Totland (Deaf Center / Type Records) and Huw Roberts (Serein). The two started working together after forging a strong friendship as former members of the Miasmah label. This self-titled EP is their first work publicly released, so it is a great honour that we are able to offer it to you here.
Both pianists, there is little wonder that after exploring a plethora of musical styles, the two find themselves most at home writing traditionally structured pieces, with the ivories a major element throughout. The EP demonstrates clearly the innate ability the two have for song writing, borrowing from the world of film soundtracks and contemporary classical composers to craft delicate instrumental compositions.
Alongside their favoured instrument can be variously heard the plucked strings of the Welsh harp, violins, woodwind instruments, field recordings, percussion and a heady dose of mind wobbling effects. From the time Nest began writing together, one purpose was clear; to produce beautiful music free of pretense, and they do it exceptionally well.
Write a review Downloaded 4,255 timesReviews Average Rating:
Reviewer:Thierry Massard - - April 1, 2007 Subject: no comment absolumment brillant ... merci à Otto Totland et Huw Roberts
Reviewer:aerotone - - March 23, 2007 Subject: true beauty This release is the most beautiful netrelease within this year. It is a wonderful collection of soft and warm melodies created with classical instrumentation all wrapped in this certain atmosphere I just love. The only complain I have that there is not more of these songs.
Reviewer:Maruchan - - March 23, 2007 Subject: Nest, another great netlabel EP Sometimes I listen to netlabel releases and think, "am I listening to music that somebody just threw together in Garage Band, or does this artist really care about his craft?" Fortunately there are good EPs - like Nest - that come along and help us put those concerns aside.
There's just enough tonal care and variation to this release to set it apart as quality netlabel music. Unfortunately, at times the EP seems a bit too concerned with carrying itself along. I found myself wishing for more time to contemplate and explore variations rather than marvel at the monolithic musical space presented. The focus seems to lie squarely on presenting a beautiful - if homogenous - environment rather than involving the listener in the creation of an experience. Like pieces in a curio museum, the tracks fade in and out of view with little context.
Even as such, this is a fantastic release for background listening. Perhaps that's where the "borrowing from the world of film soundtracks" bit comes in. There is certainly a practiced sense of atmosphere. If you really need to be drawn in to your music, though, don't plan on nesting here.