Quiet Village – Silent Movie (!K7)

Released: 28/04/2008

Quiet Village is a project of Matt Edwards (best known as dance music maestro Radio Slave) and collaborator Joel Martin. The pair met while attending Sir Dunstan’s College in South East London back in the early 90’s, but it has taken more than 15 years to release their debut album together.

“Silent Movie” could be chategorized as an balearic revival, with rashing waves and crying seagulls, acoustic guitars, piano, harp, strings, hand drums, and vintage synthesizers. It is a recipe for relaxation, yet the richness of the sound makes me a concentrated listener every time i put it on.

Despite its organic and almost classical arrangements, samples are a monumental ingredient on the record. One example being “Victorias secret”, which samples a Chi-lites classic written in 1972 and reinterpretes it for the sunset at Café del Mar, leaving the vocals of the original and adding only slight touches of voice. Another favorite is “Broken promises,” a track that brings reference the likes of 4Hero, Air or Zero 7, with beautiful string arrangements and a light, organic rhythm to match the acoustic guitar.

From the slow disco groove of “Can’t be beat”, to the post rock riff of “Circus Horror” and the jamaican reggae influenced “Pacific Rhythm” and soul fueled “To high to move” – The duo’s musical history and knowledge really shines through on the record – creating a diverse, yet complete debut album.

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