#acy

Here's the cover artwork I painted for amazing @alphachromeyayo's new album, titled "Baby Steps". (You will find it in Bandcamp by the same name, so check it out!)

Key Quote: "For an ACY album, you have to expect the unexpected."

‘Heart Engine’ is the new 8 track album released on 10-Nov-23 by Belfast based artist Alpha Chrome Yayo. Par for the course for an ACY album, you have to expect the unexpected. So, I let the first listen wash over me then I inspected it a little closer…

1. All That Matters

Initially a little chaotic, this opener with freestyle organ does eventually find itself. For some reason I’m getting Frank Zappa vibes and then the humorous ‘Speak and Spell’ style vocals punctuate the music and I’m back in the present decade. It’s short and sweet. 

2. Heart Engine

This one is a different direction altogether - if it’s not an insult I’d describe it as chill or lounge music. It's a laid-back instrumental with a nice horn section, funky bass and even some pan-pipes for good measure. It’s also very melodic and has an old-fashioned fade out at the end - love it.

3. Dancing Is Love

So this one may split the listener's opinion - musically it’s very easy on the ear but the vocals are erm… not. Some kind of vocal changer is going on here I think but the lyrics do suffer because of it. I had to look them up and it was all about looking forward all week to dancing the weekend away. A good theme but not my favourite so far.

4. Stock Exxxchange

The market is open! Although the vocals have been manipulated here as well, we can hear the words this time around. This is a short essay about life in the financial City - I now feel qualified to buy high and sell low? It's an original sounding jaunty little number - what’s not to like?

5. Like A Mystery

Some wizard guitar playing on this one along with some beautiful electric piano and I’m already hooked. Although the lyrics are a little difficult to hear, this time it doesn’t seem to matter as much - it’s all about the vibe.

6. Snow Blossoms

That same vibe continues on this instrumental and I’m back in the lounge sipping an Old Fashioned cocktail.

7. Tuxedos And Tears

Out of all the vocal FX this one seems to work the best - somewhere between Daft Punk and a melodic Robbie The Robot. But what stands out on this track for me is the funky bass synth and piano riff which takes this track up a level. It’s one of my favourites on the album and it feels like we are just getting started.

8. I Wish I Was Watching X Files With You

ACY has saved the best ‘til last - I absolutely love this right from the very beginning. The house piano sounds sublime and the synth hooks are hooky. The vocals and lyrics add something special to the mix and the end result is one very catchy pop song. 

This is a mini-album really and I was disappointed when it came to end so soon (yes I know I can replay it forever). I just wanted to hear more new songs, especially in the vein of the last two. So I’ll be very interested to see which direction we go in next from Alpha Chrome Yayo - but I'm sure the humour will still flow...

Alpha Chrome Yayo Contact Details:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alphachromeyayo

Bandcamp: https://alphachromeyayo.bandcamp.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5zLis4yrXwIFGKX7ZKZd12?si=ey2eVv9AStOMKs3Gb2EMGg

Mengapa aku baru tersadar, ada pemandangan seindah ini di samping rumah..

Menyejukkan mata.. Menenangkan hati..

Rangkaian Kata - Ku

10 Maret '19

Key Quote: "This new instrumental offering has a more laid-back melodic feel than the previous release."

The new instrumental 10 track album was released on 24-May-24 by Belfast based artist Alpha Chrome Yayo (Peter Gordon McCaughan). This new offering has a more laid-back melodic feel than previous release 'Heart Engine'.

1. Swallow Me Whole, Sweet Starless Sky

The opener offers a glimpse into the 'untethered twilight' world. Its jaunty melodic riff takes you by the hand and leads you into the unknown.

2. Twilight Calligrapher

I find this an interesting track purely because when you lose the rigid structure of the percussion or beat, it really does open up the possibilities of different directions to explore at your own pace.

3. Drifting 62 Miles Above Sea Level (Frozen Solid)

Set against an ambient industrial landscape, the journey has now truly begun and we get the feeling it's not all going to be all plane-sailing.

4. Moonlight Bind Us

The percussive synth keeps up the journey's tempo and is placed with a beautiful synth of not quite (but almost) random notes.

5. The Unremitting Throbbing Of Things Undone

A droning synth bass gives this song a darker edge than the other songs experienced so far. When a guitar riff and solo come floating by we are entering new territory. My favourite track so far.

6. A Single Translucent Thread Floating Through Space

Hauntingly beautiful lead synth riff against a space-like pad. Simple but very effective.

7. Visions Of Rust

Ladies and Gentlemen we have percussion! We are shifting through the gears now.

8. Gracious Return To Flesh And Form

The journey continues but it feels like we are treading water slightly here.

9. Wherever, Become Your Own Master

This song has its own independent style and more defined structure compared to the others on the album. Although the bell-like percussion shows a comforting return. Possibly my new favourite (time will tell).

10. Constant Night

The title song feels like we are starting to awaken from the dream and back to reality.

In conclusion...

By ditching the words, ACY has really let his musicianship shine through in this collection of songs. Some have a free-style meandering approach and others feel tamed but never tethered in style.

Alpha Chrome Yayo Contact Details:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alphachromeyayo

Bandcamp: https://alphachromeyayo.bandcamp.com

Spotify Artist: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5zLis4yrXwIFGKX7ZKZd12?si=ey2eVv9AStOMKs3Gb2EMGg

Spotify Album: https://open.spotify.com/album/4YQPdmoyRyznMp4zlti9eD?si=UnyOSNoQT6aTHadbYAIP6g

Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/alphachromeyayo

アーツコミッション・ヨコハマ（ACY）が、アーティストを育成しキャリア形成を支援するための助成プログラム「ACYアーティスト・フェローシップ助成」の2024年度募集を開始した。締め切りは4月9日（火）まで。採択されたアーティストは、活動の一環として横浜各地での短期滞在を行う。市民に身近なコミュニティ拠点で地域住民とアーティストが交わり、コミュニティの活性化や地域の魅力の顕在化、人を惹きつける新たな価値創造につながることを期待するもの…