com truiSe
" g a l a c t i c m e lt " Text JEFF CARVALHO
Here’s a description in sound: “Mid-fi synthwave, slow-motion funk.” It is an expression that self-describes the sound of Com Truise, the latest of numerous pseudonyms designated by New Jersey’s own, Seth Haley. Residing in Princeton, NJ, Haley is well on his way pushing well to the forefront of the current “synth-wave” movement; a genre that has been used to gather and describe various moments of high-electronic music based output reaching as far back as the late 70’s. His work and sound has been tapped for numerous remix projects from the like of Twin Shadow to Daft Punk.
“galactic Melt,” Com Truise’s first full length release, which arrives July 5 on ghostly International, is a front-runner in the 2011 synthwave sound. The “bottom heavy” and slowed down approach on “galactic Melt” moves the listener rather than rattling them. Unlike other players in the genre, the Com Truise offering a body friendly affair; the sound and tempo is paced down, allowing for the experience to blend well into the day to day interaction of most. The album runs across various influences that range from classic “synth” inspired sounds to new-found technologies. Interpretation of influence is a tricky one of course, since the sound goes well beyond those borders. 156
From the opening programming in “Terminal” the track brings the listener to attention but immediately relaxes the moment as the album falls into that “slow-motion” groove. What is interesting about Haley and his musical work is the pace at which he produced many of the tracks on “galactic Melt.” Haley, who also works in visual design, balanced two sides of creativity, the aural and visual, by working on his productions while spending his days in the world of pharmaceutical advertising. In his words, it allowed for him to produce music “faster” than if he was a fulltime musician. The balance allowed for fewer moments of “nit-picking” the sound. In many respects, “galactic Melt” is one part of a soundtrack. Haley himself has mentioned in interviews that the “visual” side of music being an important element to compliment sound. You can sense this approach as you listen to the album. Drop the volume on your favorite sci-fi flick and “galactic Melt” may well work as a commentary track. Com Truise “galactic Melt” is out July 5 on ghostly International. http://www.comtruise.com