Analogue synth electro quartet Node end 17-year hiatus with new album and unique live performance at the Royal College of Music, London, on Friday 27 February 2015
Analogue synth electro supergroup Node today announced their first live public performance in 17 years will take place at the prestigious Royal College of Music on Friday 27 February 2015, following the release of their critically acclaimed second album ‘Node 2’, which is out now. Node, an analogue and modular synth quartet, will stage a “first of it’s kind” concert for the Royal College Of Music and will use the largest collection of vintage analogue synthesizer equipment ever seen outside a recording studio, weighing over ten tons and requiring special considerations to safely transport it from their London based studio.
Vasco Hexel, Area Leader of the Royal College of Music’s world-renowned Composition for Screen course stated: “What will make this evening unique is the 15 tons of equipment and the sheer mass of analogue synthesisers. I'm excited about NODE's concert because as synth veterans they will share invaluable insights and knowledge about the art and craft of analogue music synthesis, a rare treat in our digital (music) world these days!”
Node comprises of four of the most respected names in music production: maverick production legend Flood, veteran producer and musician Ed Buller, renowned film composer Mel Wesson and synth oracle: Professor Dave Bessell. The group’s music, often compared to that of electronic pioneers Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream, consists of soundscapes and collections of often-unclassifiable sounds, which they communally weave into a rich tapestry of ambient electronic music. Node have only performed live twice in their 21 year history, due mainly to their hectic music industry schedules and the logistical challenges of using such a large volume of rare analogue vintage synths in their performances.
The synth supergroup who have sold albums in the millions as individuals, will take time away from their high profile music industry day jobs once again, to perform as Node, and stage the largest ever gathering of analogue synths, a first of it’s kind performance for the Royal College of Music in it’s 132 year history. Node use the largest collection of vintage analogue synthesizer equipment ever seen outside a recording studio and have put special logistical considerations in place and hired four separate vans to transport their equipment for the performance. Their collection of extremely rare, expensive and room sized analogue synths are worth in excess of £500,000 and require a specialist logistic firm to prepare and pack the gear, before it is carefully taken from the studio to the stage.
The concert follows the release of their critically acclaimed second album, ‘Node 2’ and will be their first live performance since their unique outdoor sound installation and performance at London’s Paddington station in 2000, where they treated commuters to their unique music which Sound on Sound define as “atmospheric, Tangerine Dream-like soundscapes, improvised and recorded live using an array of vintage modular synthesizers.” The bands self titled first album ‘Node’ was released 18 years ago and received critical acclaim and was described by critics including All Music’s Glenn Swan as: “nothing less than exploratory genius. Node delivers all the trimmings of a classic electronic album circa mid-'70s, but lets it ripen for ten extra years.”
The collective will use a special live production technique where analogue synths are played live, in real time, with little help from modern computer based technology. Employing the use of rare Roland, Moog and Korg synths (some dating back to the 1960’s) Node create sonic landscapes in a live environment, creating all synth “sounds” live, and not relying on presets and computer memory banks which help produce the synth sounds we are so accustom to hearing in modern electronic and dance music. Their recent album ‘Node 2’ was recorded entirely with modular and analogue synths and also uniquely recorded live onto two tracks, which meant any mistakes would result in having to start the process again, with takes repeated until a complete and perfect “live take” was recorded.
Suede and White lies production hero and former Psychedelic Furs member Ed Buller recently explained to Sound On Sound why Node use this challenging technique, stating: “You fly by the seat of your pants, and the idea behind that is sometimes you're gonna come up with things that you wouldn't come up with if you sat down and designed it.”
FLOOD, who is currently residing in Somerset House, producing PJ Harvey's critically acclaimed architectural installation album 'Recording in Progress', and famed for his production of artists including: U2 and Depeche Mode, stated:
“Node is not about analogue or digital; man or machine; old school or new school but about expressing emotions by human interaction. We are not an app!”
Node also includes: veteran film music composer Mel Wesson, famed for his work with Hans Zimmer on soundtracks for Hollywood blockbusters: Black Hawk Down, Batman Begins and Inception and synth music guru Professor Dave Bessell academic composer and audio researcher who lectures at Plymouth University.
Node perform at the Royal College of Music on Friday 27 February 2015.
Tickets available via here
Published on 13 February 2015 by Ben Robinson
