There are layers of wonderful string sounding synths, and also some cool low, punchy, Giorgio Moroder like tones.
By Patrick Jude
The long overdue emergence of Electronic music in America has been met with mixed emotions. As a multi-instrumentalist, with a degree in Jazz Performance, I get it. Acts like Bassnecter (No, that’s not a nickname for Jaco Pastorius) make repetitive sounds without any iota of thematic development, melodic relevance or an idea to spread to the world around them. Luckily, the Electronic genre, much like any other, comes with its good and its bad. The new release, Nofi, by Preston Hardwick is dropping on May 15th, and it’s a lot of good!
I’ve known Preston Hardwick for a number of years, and underneath all his goofin’, and behind the massive vape clouds he fills each room he enters with, is a true wealth of knowledge on everything Electronic. He can tell you just about every feature and function of virtually any drum machine, synth, gizmo or gadget you bring him. The years he’s devoted to his craft, and a cultivation of knowledge stemming from practice, shine through in Nofi.
Hardwick opens his album with a track that showcases the virtuosity he’s capable of. The first tune, Rain Reign, is an undeniable nod to the IDM movement. It’s sporadic. It’s exciting. Drum rhythms tap away ceaselessly, but also find a center. After that, Preston moves into the sort of tracks that make bodies move.
Never lacking a melody, the following tracks (Pavement Concrete, Love Evol and Freemont) are absolute bangers. Each song features a killer beat, some of which reminded me of Augustus Pablo style Dub, and others comparable to Gospel Chop drummers. There are layers of wonderful string sounding synths, and also some cool low, punchy, Giorgio Moroder like tones. They’ll definitely get ya dancing!
I’m glad to be able to watch Preston venture, successfully, into this sort of project, considering most of Orlando knows him as a recording guy due to all of the local bands who’ve worked with him. Preston wrapped up 2017 recording the phenomenal Dougie Flesh & The Slashers album. His new release, Nofi, is the perfect way to keep active in 2018.
Making music a contest with ratings is silly, but I’ll give Nofi a solid 12/10.
Born and raised in Orlando, and Socialist to the core, Patrick Jude graduated from The University Of Central Florida in 2015. He currently holds a B.A. in English Literature, as well as an A.A. in Jazz Performance from Valencia College. Jude is heavily tattooed, abstains from alcohol and is an avid Packers fan.
