Joe Newman’s idiosyncratic vocal style is supported by complex vocal harmonies that create a ethereal, choral effect.
You hold the record in your hands. It’s heavyweight, 180 grams of pristine black polyvinyl chloride. The cover art is striking—a false-color radar topography of the Ganges River delta, a nod to the band's name (the delta symbol ∆). It looks like a bruise, or perhaps a Rorschach test for the digital age. You place it on the turntable. The tonearm floats, then drops.
The album kicks off with a complex tapestry of overlapping piano loops and vocal layers. In 24-bit high-resolution, the stereo imaging is incredibly wide. You can pinpoint exactly where Newman’s voice sits in the left-center channel versus Gus Unger-Hamilton’s backing vocals on the right. "Tessellate" altj an awesome wave 2012 24 bit flac vinyl
A reputable rip will often list the gear used, such as a Rega, Pro-Ject, or Technics turntable paired with an Audio-Technica or Ortofon cartridge, routed through a high-end phono stage. Conclusion: A Modern Classic Reimagined
Listening to An Awesome Wave on vinyl encourages a full-album experience, respecting the deliberate sequencing of the tracks from the intro of "Intro" to the climax of "Hand-Made." Track-by-Track Sonic Highlights Joe Newman’s idiosyncratic vocal style is supported by
You can hear the slight intake of breath before a lyric or the subtle decay of a synthesizer note.
: The layered, acapella vocal opening highlights the precision of the high-res mastering. The cover art is striking—a false-color radar topography
The album's production is noteworthy, with Charlie Andrew bringing out the best in the band. Andrew's production techniques, which included extensive use of electronic manipulation and sound design, helped to create a rich and layered sound. This approach is evident in tracks like "Breezeblocks" and "The Gold", which showcase the band's ability to blend acoustic and electronic elements seamlessly.