Engravings (album)

History

The album release was announced when the artist posted the "The Weight Of Gold" track to his Soundcloud page on 18 July 2013, and it was named Best New Track by Pitchfork Media. Previously, "Thor's Stone" had been shared in June 2013 but without mention of the album release.

Engravings was nominated in the 'Best Albums Of 2013' by Wire Magazine, Pitchfork, Stereogum, Clash Magazine, FILTER, Dummy, Bleep, Tiny Mix Tapes, Norman Records, Piccadilly Records, Rate Your Music, eMusic, Rhapsody, and Album Of The Year.

The album cover artwork - designed by Barnes - was nominated for the award 'Best Art Vinyl 2013', and in Pitchfork's top 25 album covers of 2013.

The video for "Thor's Stone" was directed by Dave Ma and was online in September 2013, featuring Spanish dancer Guzman Rosado.

A video for "The Weight Of Gold" directed by French dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied was posted online in February 2014, featuring dancer Billy Barry.

A remix of Engravings lead track "Thor's Stone" by dub artist Lee Scratch Perry was posted online in November 2013.

Recording

Uniquely, the album was mixed on headphones outdoors on Thurstaston Hill in The Wirral, which the artist credits as giving the album a natural and atmospheric sound.

The recording of the album was only possible in short bursts as the artist was affected by hearing problems, which both delayed the completion of the album and contributed to the minimal nature of the arrangements.

Brighton, UK vocalist Anneka provides vocals on the "Anneka's Battle" track.

Track listing

1. Ljoss 5:19
2. Thor's Stone 4:31
3. Irby Tremor 4:11
4. Onward 5:40
5. The Weight Of Gold 5:04
6. An Hour 5:02
7. Anneka's Battle 4:09
8. Gathering 4:59
9. The Plumes 3:40
10. Friend, You Will Never Learn 8:12

Response

The album received strong critical reviews on release, with Pitchfork Media naming it as Best New Music and saying it inhabits a "unique emotional space".