The Mechanics of Moth Light

Concept and instrumentation

'The Mechanics of Moth Light' is essential totally synthesizer-based. I composed and recorded it quite quickly, often completing one track every two days or so, with the exception of 'Vox 23' and 'Vorpal Head', which are more intricate. The album explores the twilight world of inner city alienation.

'Factory Motion' sets the scene with an undulating and discordant synth texture, that gradually builds in intensity. I imagined a gathering of homeless people, in a futuristic, dystopian London, seeking shelter in a dark, ruinous factory. 'Angel Tube' offers little respite from this bleak situation - only, perhaps, in the form of a dim light from a fading fluorescent tube light, in some railway underpass. 'Dust Green', the next track, shares the optimism of a new day. Sunlight on rusting metal, turned green through years of neglect, being the only source of joy in a fading world of pain. 'Vox 23 (SW9 Mix)' is more upbeat, taking an infectious piano tune and placing it within the framework of a cutting slice of electronica This composition is the first of only two tracks on the album that features any kind of percussion. The single version of this popular download features some amazing artwork by Toby French. 'Fields of London' is a favourite of mine. A swaying, overgrown field, amid a crumbling suburban housing estate, a single synthesizer refrain as the night sets in...that was my inspiration. 'At Home With Mr and Mrs Smith' offers the hope of a better world, maybe in the form of friends or family. The discordance of 'Hive Machine' represents the archaic state of the systems that govern and control our lives. The Yamaha MODX6 features heavily, and doesn't disappoint. 'Celestial Neon', is one of the album's more serene tracks, and is meant to portray a modern city at night, in all its splendour and beauty. Like 'Vox 23', 'Vorpal Head' is a more accomplished track, featuring drums, bass, synths, organ, and a variety of sound effects. Don't be put off by the shortness of the track, it packs a punch! 'In Every Bright Room' returns the listener to a calmer mood - courtesy of the Korg M50 Synthesizer. However, this serene mood is short lived, for the grating metallic refrains of 'Peroxide Blonde' soon descends everything and everyone into a cacophonous state of hell. The final track on the album, 'Moth Light', has a direct connection with the album title, providing an eerie, tense composition, reminiscent of moths fluttering around a futuristic candle light.

Instrumentation

• Yamaha MODX6 synthesizer

• Korg M50 synthesizer

• Fender bass guitar

• Boss RC-10R Rhythm Loop Station

• Boss Dr Rhythm drum machine
  

Finished product

'The Mechanics of Moth Light' is probably one of my more niche albums. The Yamaha MODX6 featured heavily throughout, and did an excellent job creating the ghostly, ethereal atmosphere that pervades the album. While sales haven't been as high as some of my other albums, 'Vorpal Head' and 'Vox 23' remain very popular online downloads. Check out the 'single release' artwork for these two excellent tracks. I'd like to create something similar to this album using my new Expressive E OSMOSE synthesizer, and maybe take more time. Adding Mellotron, and acoustic and electric guitar, would also be a positive move. Many tracks, as always, have been released as singles with alternative artwork, courtesy of artist Toby French.