Po - The Sound Of Summer Silence
[Dynamophone Records]

Both Fridge and Patrick Wolf released critically acclaimed albums while still in their teens, while Type Records certainly reduced the average age of their roster by signing teenagers Peter Broderick, Our Sleepless Forest and Khonnor to their label.

San Francisco-based imprint Dynamophone must have seen similar potential in eighteen year old Danish native Daniel Porcelli, throwing their full weight behind his debut release “The Sound of Summer Silence”. Better known as Po, Porcelli creates his compositions without the aid of software synths or plug-ins, choosing instead to construct his explorative Shoegaze/Electronic sound with organic instrumentation. Violins, harps, organs and guitar are all incorporated here replacing the often soulless digitalized alternatives.

Po’s refreshing take closely aligns itself with the parameters set out at Morr Music or more importantly fellow Dane Manual. Essentially, we have an unquestionably talented young artist trying to find his feet. A daunting prospect for most, but a challenge Porcelli rises to across several tracks on “The Sound of Summer Silence”.

“At Last” is a glorious start, like a summer morning bloom, when the sun tentatively edges its way above the clouds. As ceremonial organ ushers this track on, Po adds staggered beats and layers of celestial violin.

“A Tree in the Palm of My Hand” shows an artist with superb handling of technology and production techniques. With processed female vocals spliced around crackling machine beats, Po moves between styles without ever compromising the album’s cohesion.

Adding yet more strings to his bow, “Seconds” is a sinister sounding effort that builds in a brooding manner using distant pads and rugged Autechre style beatwork. “Zen One”, though, is perhaps the stand-out track here, blending effervescent acoustic guitar along with blessed-out keyboard washes and under-lying static gurgles.

Despite his young age, Po displays creativity that should be beyond his years. But, as the old adage goes, if you are good enough you are old enough, and that certainly applies here. A promising future lies ahead and you are left with the impression that something truly special is on the horizon. “The Sound of Summer Silence” is an excellent start nonetheless. The story begins.

The Sound Of Summer Silence Track Listing:

01. At Last
02. Summer Morning
03. A Tree In The Palm Of My Hand
04. Slow Stream
05. The Sound Of Summer Silence
06. Floating Against The Stream
07. Ten One
08. Morning Poem
09. Seconds
10. Broken Fingers