Composer Craig Armstrong returns with a compelling new release, Nocturnes Remodelled (More music from Glasgow, Berlin, Tokyo & London) - a collection of twelve reinterpreted works originally featured on his 2021 album Music for 2 Pianos. This latest album explores the sonic intersections of classical minimalism, electronic textures, and ambient atmospheres, reimagined by globally diverse artists and collaborators...

Nocturnes Remodelled is a collection of reworkings of pieces from Craig Armstrong's album Music for 2 Pianos. The album features previously released remodelled versions of Armstrong’s compositions by Alva Noto ('Nocturne 4'), an artist, hugely admired by Armstrong, Robert Ames ('Nocturne 11'), an artist that Armstrong has previously worked with alongside the London Contemporary Orchestra and Mogwai (Nocturne 13), a Glasgow based post-rock band, known for their instrumental compositions and emotionally charged soundscapes, aus, a Japanese electronic musician, known for his delicate, emotive compositions and Scott Fraser, a singular voice in electronic music.

Additional remodels by Craig Armstrong and Jack Armstrong (Armstrong’s son) also feature on the album.

If you own the original album, then this release shows the original compositions in a new light. Personally, whilst I enjoyed the electronic interpretations, I couldn't help feeling that it's one that is going to age quite quickly. The closest to classical music, 'Nocturne 11', which was remodelled by Robert Ames, was easily the standout piece here.

It is a release that takes a little time to get under your skin, but once you start to get on board, you'll find it's an album that you'll want to spend a lot of time with,

8

Darren Rea