I wasn't familiar with Alaska in Winter (aka Brandon Bethancourt) before this, his latest release 'Suicide Prevention Hotline' and I feel that I've been missing out. I've been trying to think of someone to compare this release to and I've fallen flat, for me at least, it evokes similar feelings to that of Sebastien Tellier's masterpiece La Ritournelle, the EP is for want of a better word, amazing.
Each of the five tracks are cinematic soundtracks, beautifully composed pieces of work. Symphonic electronica with sweeping orchestration and subtle rhythms. With its title the tone of the EP might be obvious, though this is not simply the monologue of a trouble man, it's haunting melancholic ambience is delightfully unhurried and simply stunning. The best might be "Demons", Brandon is clearly a man whose been fighting his own demons, the track is enchanting, exquisite. Despite the dark mood the strings and vocals are somewhat uplifting, it demands your attention from the start and doesn't let you go until it's over.
Brandon's shop is here but is temporarily closed whilst he recovers from health problems which are mentioned on his facebook page. Wishing him the speediest of recoveries.
Listen:
Alaska in Winter - Demons
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