An Equal Sea, by J. M. Smig

An Equal Sea

by J. M. Smig

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Full Digital Discography

38

releases

Get all 38 J. M. Smig releases available on Bandcamp and save 20%.

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Twelve-Tone Alchemy in the Hall of Corruptible Saints and Masters, A Russian Vulvectomy, Unnatural Love Bytes, Cayenne Fapper, Underarm Overture, Black Coffee Waltz (revised arrangement for virtual wind quintet and percussion), Hiss In Vinegar (10th Anniversary Remaster), Curcuma Morta, and 30 more. , and , .

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1.	Tall Man 00:42
2.	Alphabet Soup 01:07
3.	Bad Linus 01:05
4.	Effigy Of The Mom You Knew 03:35
5.	Is This A Waterbed? 02:19
6.	Carlin's Seven 04:43
7.	Brownline: I. U. S. Pick 03:04
8.	Brownline: II. See J. M. Bored 03:25
9.	Greensleeves 01:00	info
10.	Ddum As Mudd 01:10
11.	Italian Dance (Dance of the Washerwomen) 01:36	info
12.	Carmelitoe 02:06
13.	Under Yer Hat 00:14
14.	What's A Fenway? 02:26
15.	Veteran Discount 02:26
16.	Provident Men 03:21
17.	Genie In A Brown Bottle 05:24
18.	Gooseneck 02:54
19.	In Ye r ear 00:04
20.	Marky Rat Kills An Ice Gal 03:01
21.	Pumpkinhead Vortex 01:55
22.	Myst'cal Fistful 01:26

about

An indulgent smorgasbord of classical, jazz, electronic, and conversation. The first album to be composed with the use of a musical cryptography of my own invention mixed with traditional serial method. I call this "the library album" for the hours of arranging and sequencing on public library computers, using Noteflight and other online programs, after my hard drive crashed at home.

BONUS ITEMS:

TRACKS
23. Carlin's Seven (piano reduction)
24. Myst'cal Fistful (early mix, no fade out)

SHEET MUSIC
∙Carlin's Seven
∙Ddum As Mudd
∙Effigy Of The Mom You Knew
∙Greensleeves
∙Myst'cal Fistful
∙Pumpkinhead Vortex

_____________________________________________

J.M. Smig Returns in An Equal Sea
BY BRANDON MINIA [24OUR MUSIC] JUN 20, 2017

Staying true to his craft, J.M. Smig unapologetically brings forth the strange, weird, and jarring sounds of his world in An Equal Sea. More cinematic in nature, An Equal Sea feels much more cohesive than we may be used to from Smig, with the brash electronic artist returning with his wild mix of topsy-turvy chamber music and midi dance romps. There’s moments in the album where it can feel a little too loose and nonsensical, and although we know this is the intent of Smig, it’s a detraction that can be off-putting for even the most adventurous of listeners. However, An Equal Sea is an overall success, staying true to its nature and fantastically delivering J.M. Smig’s craft in the end.

There is more than a handful of gems that show off Smig’s disjointed operatic symphony, turning what would normally be seen as cacophonous into something that fits a certain aesthetic. Dishing forth an anti-jazz, anti-lounge filled first half, tracks such as “Alphabet Soup” and “Effigy Of The Mom You Knew” come charging right out of the gate with brash force. “Carlin’s Seven” has a cheeky feel to it that also rounds out an exciting first few tracks on the record.

“Brownline” parts I and II both have surprisingly dancy feels to them that give An Equal Sea a more energetic edge. J.M. Smig does a great job maintaining the balance between creating something that is charming and somewhat accessible while still keeping the harsh feel of his music.

The middle songs of the album lend themselves mostly to chamber inspirations, which give the record a sudden antiquated feel. “Ddum As Mudd” has an acoustic, ballad vibe to it before winding in to “Italian Dance.” Smig’s largely electronic and raucous soundscape has suddenly been transformed into an old world soundtrack, and it sounds pretty cool.

An Equal Sea then returns to Smig’s usual brand of jarring melodies in “Carmelitoe,” this time being driven forth by a harpsichord.

The final stretch of the record shows off Smig’s ability to illicit eerie vibes through his harsh music. “Provident Men” comes on later in the record, supplying a more eerie feel to the record thanks to its use of electronic choral voices. This is followed by “Genie In A Brown Bottle,” which has an ambient tone to it of a vicious cyber attack. “Pumpkinhead” has a more acoustic but jarring feel to it, the penultimate track of the record.

Overall, we feel that 22 tracks is quite lengthy for a record like this. The disjointed, eerie, and jagged feel of the record can feel long and at times painful, especially when stretched out for this length. Of course, this is the point of J.M. Smig’s music, and his production certainly allows the music to speak for itself in a polished manner.

But we need more than just the brash and unapologetic sounds. J.M. Smig certainly has a unique vision when it comes to his music, and one that allows him to stand out. But we need more than just what he has offered thus far, or risk coming off as too much of a gimmick.

credits

released March 22, 2017

All music composed, arranged and produced by JMS
with the following exceptions:
"Greensleeves" (traditional, arranged by JMS)
"Italian Dance" (Hans Neusidler, arrranged by JMS)

Cover art: JMS

©℗2017 J. M. Smig / Sophisticated Schizophrenic.
SS-026

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about

J. M. Smig Salem, Massachusetts

The musical equivalent of the guy at the party who offends everyone by mooning the camera (but guess what everyone does to the camera minutes later), Smig is the Witch City's composer laureate (not a difficult achievement, in all honesty).

"[C]ontemporary music for the bizarre at heart...[His] electronica and classical works operate in a style unlike any other."
(Electronic Musician newsletter) ... more

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