Some Killer, All Filler

Gone Blind, a four-song EP released by singer/songwriter Mauro Remiddi’s solo project Porcelain Raft, features an array of sounds  — including synth, dub, indie, electronic, and the ever-so-popular California beach pop sound – all in under 15 minutes. Unless, of course, you’ve downloaded the digital EP, which tacks on an additional two songs. Further, if you’ve originally downloaded this EP from Bandcamp back in 2010, I suggest you re-acquire Gone Blind, as the official EP changes and has a more mastered sound.

Each track is laced with an assortment of sounds, although it’s hard to pick out on the first or second listen-through. “Gone Blind” loosens up the listener and provides a synth-y, beach-town tune and includes Remiddi’s soothing, almost fragile voice on top of a distorted guitar and even some folk-y whistling. “Dragonfly” presses on the brakes and changes your mood to melancholy with a slowed-down beat and Remiddi’s high-pitched moan. Buried between an acoustic guitar and a computer-comprised quiet, swooshing, breezy sound he softly repeats, “Whatever you were looking for, it’s not here anymore.”

“Talk To Me” finishes up the EP nicely and is where pieces of that dub-step sound comes in, being the only track providing remnants of a bass. “I Found A Way” carries a similar sound as “Talk To Me”  with abstract electronic sounds and more distorted vocals than the other two tracks.

There’s a lot going on in each track and can be pretty underappreciated at first, especially since Remiddi is flying solo. With no clear, pinpointed sound, we’re only left with curiosity and wonder as to what Porcelain Raft’s upcoming LP will sound like.