Electronic music can seem like an exploration of limitless sound design possibilities, especially in the era of software-based production. Over the longer history of dance music, though, there’s been an equally strong tradition of electronic musicians finding magic within the constraints of synths and drum machines, especially in the first decade of house and techno.
Artists like Bruce Trail (aka Scott Cairns) fall somewhere in the middle, having made the decision to explore the possibilities of a limited palette of sounds rather than adapt to the technology of the time. Each of the four tracks on his Ravine Dream EP sound like they could have been made with the same vintage sampler and synths, though it’s entirely possible he’s just simulated that approach digitally.
Despite the nature associations of his stage name and the EP title, there are no obvious references to the Canadian wilderness. A more descriptive reference point would be a warehouse party in the early 90s, with tracks by Chicago house master Mr Fingers banging out of the speakers.
There are a lot of classic deep house influences on all four tracks. Cairns is fond of a very particular warm, rubbery bass sound, paired with dry, dusty-sounding drums and vocal fragments that shift and mutate in the course of a track. His chords and melodies are typically delivered through glassy vintage synth sounds, with occasional nods to “real” instruments like flute and electric piano.
Ravine Dream is undeniably nostalgic, but it’s not pure retro. It’s more about rediscovering how gentle sounds can still punch hard when they’re given the room to breath in simple, elegant arrangements.
Top track: Fly By Night
