Mid Pines

It may seem obvious to say that when little is known about the person or people who create a piece of music, it's that much easier to let the music stand on its own. Such is the case with this release. Not much information exists about Mid Pines, the creator of Unmeasure. Laura Bell (who hails from somewhere in Ontario) has chosen the moniker to release this series of ambient electronic pieces. Recorded in the winter of 2009, Unmeasure carries an inescapable chill throughout its nine tracks. Not quite as dense as the glaciers cast about by fellow Canadian Tim Hecker, Bell's soundscapes reveal a refreshing, yet subtle, playfulness hidden beneath the electronic frost. There are clear melodies, such as those found on "Daylight Hour," which focus what little winter sun remains, allowing some warmth inside.