A lot has changed in the last 15 years. The music industry is almost unrecognisable from its late ’90s incarnation. The advent of the digital revolution, a surge in RnB, hiphop and the dominance of flash-in-the-pan pop acts born from reality TV, it’s almost a completely different industry.
It’s interesting then when a forgotten gem from that era is rediscovered and handed over to the masses. Hindsight might be a valuable tool, but original recordings are much more enjoyable and friendly.
Solo artist Gareth Dickson is preparing to re-release some of his early material from 1998/99. The first is a four track E.P that comprises of work from his days in the band Blanik. And it’s a real gem, both for the artist but also as a testimony to that hedonistic era.
Sleepy, engrossing and bordering on the transcendental, the Blanik E.P is a hazy journey of psychedelic folk-rock. Airy guitars that seem to echo off into eternity, this is a lavish production from an artist at the very beginning of his career.
Particular highlights come in the shape of ‘Trip in a Blanik’ and ‘Seagull’, two tracks that showcase the band’s potential. It is a great pity that these have waited so long to be given the light of day. But good things always come to those who wait, as these tracks prove.
Making the most of the current technology, the E.P forms part of what will be a much wider release of old material. Revisiting the past might be a popular trope for established artists but Dickson has a good excuse to do so. This E.P is a little bit of delight from an age that is quickly passing into history. Enjoy it while it lasts, its worth more than a rose-tinted spectacle view of the world at a very different time.