Ride's Andy Bell has embarked on a new project, collaborating on a full-length album with the harp and Theremin duo Masal. The collaboration came about after Masal opened for Bell in Chelmsford last year, and their shared love for Promises by Floating Points and Pharoah Sanders sparked a connection. Bell expressed his interest in exploring that musical direction, particularly with the sound of the harp. He felt it could be a promising combination when he met Oz Simsek and Al Johnson of Masal. The resulting album, titled Tidal Love Numbers, consists of four extended tracks that delve into ambient, astral jazz—a departure from Bell's shoegaze roots but still a natural progression.
What Worked
Consisting of four extended tracks that delve into ambient and astral jazz Tidal Love Numbers is a slight departure from Bell's shoegaze roots. Glimmer guitars intertwine with the harp in expressive ways, like on the opening fifteen-minute track "Murmuration Of Warm Dappled Light On Her Back After Swimming." Crafted distortion reminiscent of William Basinski appears on "The Slight Unease of Seeing A Crescent Moon In Blue Midday Sky." At the same time, "Tidal Love Conversation In That Familiar Golden Orchard" introduces more deliberate melodies that, with different arrangements, wouldn't be out of place on a Ride album.
What Didn't Work
Those not interested in ambient and experimental explorations will want to skip this release, especially fans of Bell's work with rock bands like Oasis and Ride. As with any ambient release, it ultimately comes down to a visceral reaction as to whether soundscapes have an impact.
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