Floating Points has released a new three-song mini-EP titled “Ocotillo.” It’s hard to accurately describe everything that happens in these tracks with words. I wish I could formulate three short sentences that would make you check these tracks out and listen to them as soon as possible. The more people hear this music faster, the better it would be for us. When I hear these tracks, they feel so refreshing.
Since the term lo-fi is very popular, I will refer to this album as a kind of branch of lo-fi music. Although I’m not sure what that even means anymore. Floating Points has released several pieces of music that have given me several moments of deep happiness. His previous stuff, from what I’ve heard, had a different energy level. His soul is still in this music, but this is the first time I’ve associated the rhythm and beat so much with Floating Points’ music. My favorite track of his so far is “Falaise”. Also, Floating Points’ work on the album “Promises” together with Pharoah Sanders and the London Symphony Orchestra will forever be some of the most beautiful and interesting music I’ve ever heard.
When I read about the desert plant Ocotillo, after which the album is named, I immediately think about the meaning of the song in this context.
One text states: “Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) are one of the easiest plants to identify in the desert.”
It could be that this is a commentary on the musical landscape and that Floating Points sees this EP as some sort of oasis in the desert. It certainly feels that way to me. The tracks carry the melodic essence of what makes Floating Points records great. At the same time, it has some really compelling drum patterns that don’t necessarily make me groove, but rather immerse me deeper into the song itself.
I just found an ocotillo plant in the desert. Unfortunately, in this case, I have to uproot it. I take it home on my magic carpet. I grind it, soak it, give it some time, let it cook. I take my time and give this album the 22 minutes and 20 seconds of my time that it so humbly asks for.
Author: Peter Källman
Peter Källman is a writer from Sweden who loves playing in bands, writing reviews and going to live shows!
