UK project YELLOW6 is the creative vehicle of composer and musician Jon Attwood, a veteran in the English music scene that started out in the London punk scene in the early 80’s, and following a few years exploring at times wildly different and contradicting styles he established Yellow6 in 1998. A plethora of releases have followed since then, in total well over 40 hours of music released as albums, EPs, singles and contributions to various compilations. “Y6XV (Merry6mas2013)” dates back to 2013, and is the 15th in the annual series of Christmas albums released under the Yellow 6 moniker.
I should probably clarify a bit initially. While this is a Christmas album, the only relation this production has to this holiday season is the release date. There may be compositions here inspired by the Christmas season, but if that should be the case then it’ll only be the composer who is aware of it. This isn’t an album of music that celebrates the Christmas season, nor is it an album that attacks it. It’s merely an album released around Christmas time, nothing more and nothing less in that particular context.
The music itself is instrumental, and can broadly be described as ambient soundscapes I guess. The recordings are mainly a tad lo-fi sounding, with both an audible hiss and various sounds that may or may not have been recorded as an incidental feature appearing here and there, but in this case neither of these are detrimental to the end result. These details is to my ears a part of the charm here, and some of the details that adds a sense of life and authenticity to these recordings.
This is, of course, due to these creations not being conventional songs as such. This isn’t a case of intricate harmonies or technical prowess to be documented. The landscapes explored are far gentler, with dual or triple calm guitars providing fluttering textures and echoing, resonating details, some percussion details may come and go, soft ethereal keyboards may further smooth out the delicate arrangements. Drones and drone-oriented instrument sounds adds some depth and darkness on set occasions, especially when provided by a fuzz-tinged electric guitar, but those instances are rare, and all the more effective when they do appear. Solemn or delicate piano details another occasional feature that expands the dimensions of the melancholic, dream-laden and rather introspective landscape explored.
One of the few creations that takes on a more defined, firm expression is the piece named They Look Lost, with an ongoing dark-toned plucked guitar presence that does add a shade of Pink Floyd to the proceedings, although most likely as an incidental rather than intended feature I’ll have to admit.
This is, in short, an album of ambient moods and soundscapes, with drone-like sounds and fluttering post-rock style ethereal textures providing additional depth and tension on select occasions. Music for introspective thoughts, meditation or relaxation – but with an edge. Music that inspires thinking and reflection rather than drifting and dreaming if you like. While not an album I suspect will have a massive, widespread appeal, I do hope those who find this description to be an interesting one will take the time to check this artist out at some point.
My rating: 80/100
