The latest long player to emerge from Phil Kieran’s East Belfast based music studio consolidates the worlds of music and visual media into one creative, colourful, and cohesive body of work that displays some of his best sounds yet. Having originally been preceded by his single ‘Atlantic’, Phil has now released the record in full via his own Phil Kieran Recordings imprint, a label where in the past he has hosted productions from names like Green Velvet, Maya Jane Coles, and Andrew
Weatherall. The album finds itself reaching into the world of electronically-charged cinematic soundscapes, with a hefty supply of textured string arrangements, dynamic percussive rhythms, and expertly guided found sounds all coming through the speaker. It’s a genuine testament to the development and maturity of Phil’s talents in the studio, having previously been one of Ireland’s most commanding techno producers, he can now stand among the best as one of its most revered musicians outright. He also adds to his accolades in regards to working with visual media, having previously scored for film projects such as ‘Rough’ and ‘Nightride’, he now puts his own fully equipped audio visual show on the list of accomplishments. Each track on ‘The Strand Cinema’ is accompanied by its own short film, a feat which saw Phil collaborate with a number of incredible visual artists from around the world.
Where to start:
Atlantic: Playful percussive rhythms and pulsing synth notes
Grand Central Station: Suspenseful strings and a ticking drum build
Last Words: Chilling soundscape of piano melodies and found sounds
Previous from Phil Kieran:
Life Cycling LP (2019, Maeve)
Blinded By The Sun LP (2016, Hot Creations)
If you like this then check out:
Niklas Paschburg – Panta Rhei LP (2023, 7K!)
Foam And Sand & Robot Koch – Full Circle (2023, Nettwerk Music)
Phil Kieran – The Strand Cinema LP is out now on Phil Kieran Recordings.