SOTD #28 // Seams: 'Nightcycles'

When he’s not spending his evenings skulking around dairy sections of East London convenience stores, James Welch – aka Seams – is the creator of some of the finest and refined bedroom-electronica we’ve heard so far this year. Sure, it’s fair to say that there are dozens of acts cropping up from this somewhat thriving of genres, but it’s Welch’s deft of touch and delicate use of layers and texture that has really pushed him head and shoulders above similar acts.

The hypnotic ‘Nightcycles’ starts quietly, a four second piano riff loops round and round whilst an assortment of synths, samples, clicks and beeps slowly flutter in and out of the speakers. As the layers build on top of one another the repetitive nature of the music forces images of stop motion sunsets and neon filled nightscapes to enter your mind – like an audio equivalent of a magic eye picture that gets stronger and more forceful the harder you concentrate. A simple electronic bass kick enters, acting as the glue that holds the many sounds together; slowly causing a mini sense of euphoria inside your headphones and a shortness of breath inside your chest.

‘Nightcycles’ is being released as a limited edition 12″ via Tough Love Records on 26th April and will feature the original song, plus four remixes – all of which can be previewed here. Pre-order the vinyl for a measly £6.49 here.

We were so smitten with Seams that after only hearing one song we decided to book him for our monthly club night. You can catch him supporting Bristol’s Fitness Club Fiasco this Tuesday (March 16th) at The Social, London. It’s free entry and doors are at 7pm. More info can be found here.

Seams: “Nightcycles”