LITTL SHYNING MAN draws his influences from ‘progressive rock, medieval folk music, free jazz, early electronic, retro seventies pop and quite simply noise’ proclaims the biography that accompanies his debut mini-album, ‘Hart of the Wud.’ Before the disc is even in the machine I’m guessing he won’t be appearing on CD:UK any time soon.
And if such an introduction doesn’t set out his peculiar stall clearly enough, apparently the record is inspired by a ‘futuristic folk tale’ called ‘Ridley Walker.’ It’s certainly enough to make the mind wander, but perhaps that eccentricity is what makes Littl Shyning Man special, because within a few seconds of hearing the croaking heartbeats that introduce the opening track, Hart of the Wud will have your undivided interest.
The six tracks on Hart of the Wud are sleepy, darkly cinematic instrumentals, musical oddities that retain enough of an Unkle/DJ Shadow feel to be instantly accessible whilst at the same time being quite different to pretty much anything you’ve heard before. The title track is an ethereally atmospheric melting pot of beats, guitar, harp, beeps and whistles that grows satisfyingly throughout; it’s an aural representation that could accompany those time-lapse films of a flower growing towards the sunlight.
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Whilst none of the other tracks leap out at you as obvious classics, it’s clear that these are the sort of songs that reward repeated listens. ‘Hart Broake’ and ‘Hanging With Mr Cooper’ are each awash with all kinds of instruments, samples and noises that just seem to fit together. ‘Thee Hart Shapeth into a Fist’ is perhaps the weirdest track, a whispy staccato of backwards keyboard and subtle melodies. Closing track ‘Battry Runnd Pianoforte’ again follows this disjointed theme before drawing all of its elements into a single entity that just manages not to stray too far into the territory of those relaxation cds you find in craft shops.
All in all, Hart of the Wud is a complex piece of work that manages to be simultaneously undemanding; comforting whilst foreboding; tranquil yet tense. This is one of those records that comes along out of the blue and its originality and likeability can only be enhanced by your lack of any expectations.
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