Tycho’s latest album release Awake encompasses all that the word can be defined as. It is uplifting, lively. Tycho (Scott Hansen) has a way with production that evokes the feeling that everything is alright.

From the first and title track of the album, it is that deep breath you take while rising with the morning sun. But not one of those mornings that feels sluggish and dreary, rather, when the air makes you feel alive.

“Montana” which was released as a prior single, is a traveling song. It dips and rises throughout and has a dreamy keyboard pattern that is heard, dignified with the hi-hat and drum patterns, and goes hand in hand with a poignant bassline that cannot be missed. This track has complex soundwork and a rhythm that moves the feet.

The next track on the album, “L” is reminiscent of Tycho’s album Dive. While the first two tracks are very present, this one takes a step back. It is contemplative. More in a spaced out dreamworld, but without the oceanic-themed mastery of that album. At 2:12 the track is joyfully exciting. Although “L” is a bit more laid-back, it still has a danceable aspect to it that fits well into the collection of this album.

A bit heavier on the kickdrum, heavier bass and quicker BPM, “Dye” has a mellow tone and sets itself up as an ideal canvas for a half-time drum n bass remix.

“See,” a personal favorite, starts with claps and a sultry bassline buildup. It has an esoteric vibe that drives the album, maybe giving the listener a chill. A nice little breakdown around the two minute mark is smile-worthy. There are memories of trance melodies scattered throughout.

Apogee is recognized as either the climax of something, or astronomically when the moon’s orbit is furthest from planet earth. The track of the same name may have to relate mostly to the latter. This is not a track that peaks in energy but seems to hit the next step after the relatively turned down three tracks before. “Apogee” is that step furthest back before Tycho brings the sound to the forefront again with “Spectre,” another previously released single. The ranging tonal blips of “Spectre” continue the upbeat joy wave that the album sets out to arouse. In order, this song brings a cyclical vibe, which perhaps coincides with the sphere artwork of the album, done by Hansen himself as design artist ISO50.

The album closes out with "Plains," a minimal sound, and an airiness that is prominent in Dive. 

Awake is an album that can be listened to incessantly and still keep you constantly in awe. It inspires self-awakening, opening into an illumination of a unique blend of realism and surrealism. Mesmerizing and comforting, it would not be a stretch to call Tycho a shamanic music man.

Grade: A

The Range - "Metal Swing"
Providence based producer The Range recently released his debut LP, Nonfiction, on UK label Donkey Pitch this past week. The album's final track, "Metal Swing," begins with a reflective looped piano sample that builds to make way for a subdued British rap vocal that creates an atmospheric sound built on a simple, mesmerizing melody.



Tycho - "Awake" 
The music of Scott Hansen, who records under the name Tycho, has always been known for a unique drifting quality, using ethereal melodies and live instrumentation to achieve a rich, organic sound. His latest track, "Awake," is centered around a gorgeous guitar line that evokes the reflective, optimistic nature of the artists previous work.




Star Slinger - "Free"
UK remix artist and producer Star Slinger will finally release his debut album early next year. The first taste of the record, "Free," features soulful pitch-shifted vocals, a bouncy rhythm, and all the adventurous sampling we've come to expect from the artists' hip-hop leaning house style. Compared to some of his remix work, the track is on the lighter side, focusing on a strong groove and understated percussion.

With just over a month left until Camp Bisco Eleven, we here at buffaBLOG, will be providing artist spotlights right up to the festival. This year, CBXI, has a really phenomenal lineup, with a mix of electronic and indie, to quench all tastes in music. The entire lineup can be found here, but today we will focus on Tycho.


Scott Hansen, better known as Tycho, is an artist/produceer out of San Francisco, California. After debuting in 2002 with a self-released four track EP, The Science of Patterns, it was very clear what type of music Hansen had set out to produce. Dream pop and electronic muses reign supreme in Tycho's tracks and if you were to close you eyes, you'd be sure you were listening to a whole band.


For his third release, Dive, Hansen emerged as a much more diverse and complete artist. Labeled as Chillwave and compared to the likes of M83 and Neon Indian, it appears Tycho has finally found his niche. The album received very positive reviews and left listeners waiting for more.  There is no doubt in my mind Tycho will be very well received at Camp Bisco Eleven.

Lace up your boots and get your booty to Mohawk Place tonight for some dreamy electronic music courtesy of Tycho. The San Francisco-based musician (also known as Scott Hansen) made his debut in 2002 with a self-released EP The Science of Patterns. He followed that up with Sunrise Projector in 2004 and then Past is Prologue in 2006, before taking a hiatus from album-making until 2011’s Dive. Hansen kept busy building his awesome graphic design portfolio under the alias ISO50 (definitely check out his blog). He’ll be selling some of his prints, posters, and tee shirts, along with the Dive vinyl tonight… so be sure to bring extra sausage and mash.

Tonight’s show promises to be both an audio and visual experience you won’t soon forget. The show starts at 9 and Brooklyn duo Beacon will open the show. $12 at the door.

Tycho - Hours by ghostly