Donnacha Costello, It Simply Is

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Donnacha Costello is always a hard man to pin down. He seems impervious to trends, instead often focusing on productions that pose subtle conceptual questions. His 6 X 6 = 36 series, for example, felt like it exploried the relation of dance music’s comparatively formal beat structure to abstract systems. His “Color” series, on the other hand, could well be viewed as a meditation on the special relationship between electronic music and synesthesia. The absence of meaningful lyrics in most dance music can cause the listener to let the association of notes and colors really run wild, and the “Color” series was an outstanding opportunity to do just that. Although his latest EP, “It Simply Is,” doesn’t contain the same sort of exhortation to a particular intellectual question, it seems the title Costello chose helps point us to just what his songs mean.

It’s apparent only a few measures into “It Simply Is” that Costello has made a track about something, rather than a track that does something for you (or to you) on the dance floor. Without a kick drum, there is little emphasis on beats. Instead, Costello’s beautifully ascending and oscillating melody speaks of subtlety, grace, and a melting away of everyday worries. “It Simply Is” could be taken as encouragement towards peace, a manifesto of relaxation, or a description of a moment of unfettered tranquility; all of these narratives emerge from Costello’s five and a half minutes of bliss. The title guides us to the conclusion we shouldn’t work too hard at guessing which of these sentiments Costello is driving at, but rather let them all wash over us, and, for a moment, simply be.

“Trust” is more conventionally dance floor-oriented, and all in all seems like a slightly longer and more complicated version of the A side. Which, I suppose, is a fair reflection of what it’s like to extend the feeling of inner tranquility that “It Simply Is” suggests towards others. Whether this way of looking at Costello’s latest seems right to you or not, I hope you’ll agree this emotive, personal music engages the listener’s personality in a meaningful way at the same time as it provides more corporeal rewards through its gorgeous, honest melodies.

Joe  on October 30, 2008 at 2:19 AM

You have a way with words…and thank you for the stream too – now I really want this EP.

I only found out about Costello recently (March I think?) but with music like Coloseries and this I have a sense that I’ve known it for much longer. For me it mixes a real sense of nostalgia with a totally forward-looking aspect…it’s difficult to explain but you’ve done an amazing job of getting at it.

This is an extraordinary track!

chrisdisco  on October 30, 2008 at 2:55 AM

definitely one of my EPs for the year. saying that, i am incredibly biased. i’ve always been a huge fan of donnacha.

joe – if you are relatively new to donnacha’s work, i strongly, strongly suggest tracking down his ‘together is the new alone’ on the now defunct mille plateaux. this gets lost a bit with all the fuss on his colour series, but it is such an amazing album.

rubin  on October 30, 2008 at 3:04 AM

stunning as ever. sounds like ambient works era aphex… which is about as big a compliment as you can pay to an electronic artist.

Joe  on October 30, 2008 at 3:05 AM

Ah yes I tracked that one down on recommendation from that ambient post on ssgs – really beautiful. I get a bit freaked out by the high frequencies on some of the tracks but I try not to let that get in the way of the rest (I have some similar problems with Noto+Sakamoto, Pan Sonic etc).

I’ve listened to Growing Up In Public as well, which is really intriguing too. I reckon ‘Lbp’ pretty much predicts this whole Modern Love/dub/dubstep thing that’s going on right now…by 8 years.

I’m listening to this stream again…it really is something. and I just bought the EP…

gwenan  on October 30, 2008 at 3:08 AM

brilliant review! IMPOSSIBLE track…

Will Lynch  on October 30, 2008 at 6:03 AM

I love Costello, and I find this EP cheesy and boring. I know that doesn’t make sense, but there it is. What’s wrong with me?

sammy  on October 30, 2008 at 11:37 AM

reminds me of windowlicker by aphextwin

Sam  on October 31, 2008 at 1:19 PM

Yes it is a little cheesy, but it’s still a pretty cool track. I little hint of cheese can be a good thing, IMO. In fact, it’s sometimes the stuff that self-consciously *avoids* any cheese factor that falls flat and can be really boring.

Didn’t somebody else do a series of “color-coded” (and named after those colors) EPs in the mid 90’s? It was some progressive house duo I think, but I can’t recall their name(s)…

littlewhiteearbuds  on October 31, 2008 at 4:56 PM

Wolfgang Voigt did a color series under his Studio 1 moniker.

lazy_atom  on November 5, 2008 at 9:01 AM

i love it. beautiful phat sounding synth tempered by his displicined minimalist stylings. a lovely and unusual composition slightly resonant of fellow irishman Chymera’s lush sounds…

and what’s the matter with a little cheese? deep fried brie with cranberry sauce anyone?

rubin  on November 6, 2008 at 8:33 AM

since when did uplifting become “cheesy”?

this is a beautiful and emotional piece of music

Will Lynch  on November 6, 2008 at 12:51 PM

I can’t help it– when I listen to this song I hear an electronic power ballad. When I was 15, i really liked groups like Apoptygma Berzerk and VNV Nation, and this song sounds like it could have been on album by either one.

Joe  on November 12, 2008 at 2:34 PM

I just got this through the post…
Clear vinyl is literally the best thing ever.

Trackbacks

Little White Earbuds » Little White Earbuds October Charts  on November 6, 2008 at 9:14 PM

[…] “Untitled 1″ [Workshop] 05. Wouldbenice, “Hallschlag” [Vidab Records] 06. Donnacha Costello, “It Simply Is” [Minimise] 07. Move D, “Heidelberg Gals” [Running Back] 08. King Midas Sound, […]

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