ALBUM SAMPLER
Simon Mills - Harmonic Jigsaws Vol. 1
SLM024
Manufactured in the E.U.
P & C Secret Life Records 2018
Distributed by N.E.W.S.
Digital: Friday 18th May 2018
Simon Mills rose to musical prominence as one half of electronic duo Bent, alongside production partner Neil "Nail" Tolliday. They set the electronic dance world on fire with their critically acclaimed album “Programmed to Love”, released in 2000. After releasing 5 studio albums the pair took a break to work separately.
Harmonic Jigsaws Vol. 1 is the first studio album released under his own name, having released solely as Napoleon for the best part of a decade. The album follows on from several disco-tinged EPs and a blissful remix of CamelPhat and Elderbrook’s hit “Cola”, one of the biggest club tracks of 2017.
The album marks first in a series where Simon ambitiously explores and encapsulates the more melodic, wistful and atmospheric side of his music output, paying tribute to Bent's unmistakable sound and the more emotive quirky side of his later work as Napoleon.
The title itself derives from Simon's synesthesia (a condition where one sense such as hearing is simultaneously perceived by one or more additional senses such as sight.) Simon's synesthesia causes him to associate colours and shapes with musical notes, harmonies and patterns, as well as letters and words.
The album features standout tracks Springtime (Fire And Honey) sampling vocals from legendary pop-folk vocalist Sally Oldfield, alongside THIFOL, Listen and Getaway, featuring vocalist Joel Hood, originally brought to Simon's attention after being drafted in to produce Joel’s music.
In Simon’s words "We got on so well together, with the love of the same eclectic music; House, Disco, Balearic, strange library music oddities, 1950s doo-wop, 60's soul and various soundtracks… I loved Joe's voice and songwriting, so it was obvious that we had to collaborate."
Over two years in the making, this landmark release is one of Simon’s most cohesive works to date and celebrates a characteristic sound he has spent two decades developing and nurturing. (feedback below please)
Full Album Tracklisting:
1. Machine Fruit
2. THIFOL (feat. Joel Hood)*
3. Springtime (Fire And Honey)*
4. Scorchio!*
5. Getaway (feat Joel Hood)
6. Snugglebumpkins
7. Rainbow Road
8. Listen (Feat Joel Hood)
9. Buds*
10. ToyTown Mentality
11. Window
12. Money Cause Worry