Review: "Voxcore" Album by Voxcore
Voxcore aka Patrick Hansford imbues a soulfulness into his nostalgic self-titled debut album “Voxcore”. Full of such tremendous heart, he taps into the very core of dance music. Rather than have a hyper-active beat, his is a much more sophisticated take. Voxcore’s arrangements are soaked in a golden hue for his is one that feels positively ancient, even regal in the gallant processions.
A keen ear for melody guides these tracks forward because Voxcore makes sure to balance them with the utmost of care. Such great textures alongside a slight fondness for experimentation results in a serene experience. Every track builds off the last for they make sure that there is a bliss behind it all, one that is soaked in sunlight.
Voxcore goes for the Second Summer of Love element within the sound, as his is a gracious hue. References to L.F.O.’s early work dominates, from the acidic tinge that recalls Mark Bell’s sophisticated sound design to the gentle gallop of the rhythm, it falls into place quite wonderfully. Beyond this, the yearning quality of the work touches upon the childlike sense of wonder that early Boards of Canada’s output seems to explore. Quite delicate too, the beats have a poignancy to them for the album has a surprisingly large emotional range.
Neon-hued splendor radiates on the triumphant opener “Perpetuance” right down to the pitch-perfect wordless choir. On the more tech house poppy side of things is the dramatic quality of “Fabrication” where the construction has an 80s yearning quality. Full of energy “Orbit” bursts right at the seams with brittle snaps and snares adding to the giddiness.
On “Pulse”, Voxcore chooses a late-night noir quality to the overall spirit. Layer upon layer filters together on the longing “Her Song”. Delicate touches make “Fall” the true highlight for the evolution of the sound gives the song a living, breathing quality to it. With “LookaLike” there is a thoughtfulness to the way that the song sprawls and soars out into the infinite. Woozy warped cadences radiate from “Destiny”. Pulling out all the stops is the surreal trip of “Reign”.
On Voxcore’s self-titled album, he delves into the inner meditativeness that all good dance music possesses.