Continuing on this lo-fi indie streak I’m on, I give you The Consulate General, a new project led by Taiwanese-American Alexander Chen of Boy in Static, currently a resident of Sweden. A multi-instrumentalist who often performs live on viola, Chen´s first recordings were released in 2004 by Markus Acher of The Notwist, who later invited him on tour opening for 13 & God. Chen has also toured with Freezepop and Lymbyc Systym, and collaborated with artists such as Her Space Holiday, Helios, and Montag.
Chen is about to release his debut solo album, Person Number, which was crafted from a set of songs written and recorded after relocating to Swedend On the album, Chen is joined by a group of collaborators including Antoine Bédard (Montag), John Chao (of Misha), Ryan Fritch (of Sole & The Skyrider Band), and Simon Scott (of Slowdive).
like I mentioned earlier, his sound on this album is lo-fi indie pop. The songs are well crafted, laid back and are very minimalistic. But the minimalism makes the music so much more and only helps to give room for the emotional lyrics. What really shines through are the multitude of instrument arrangements on all his tracks. He makes great uses of the xylophone, strings, marimbas, accordions, even a double bass. The xylophone is the most predominant one on the album and just gives his tracks that little extra something.
Some songs to check out are the incredible catchy single, “What Time Is It Now”, which features vocals from Montag, “65 or Older” which has this incredible melodic hook, “Liesa Lietzkem” which fuses dissected IDM beats with this weird vocal synth sound, and “YWCA Trixie” which has this lo-fi, trippy middle eastern sound.
I had never heard of these guys until yesterday, but I’m glad I did because the album is definitely doing it for me right now. If you like the Notwist then you will like The Consulate General.
Person Number will be release don April 6th 2010.
enjoY!
The Consulate General – What Time Is It Now