This release is just shy of revolutionary for Mark Nelson, who pilots the solo PanAmerican project in addition to contributing to Labradford. Nelson touches down on a completely refreshing direction for Quiet City, his fourth release, focusing further on attaining ambient frequencies while completely shedding the minimal dub roots of previous albums, Pan American and 360 Business/360 Bypass. These eight tracks sway rather than swagger, and are more introspective than boisterous, thanks largely due to Nelsons lyrics. Often nestled deep within the track, the lyrics are often difficult to decipher. In fact, it doesnt really matter what Nelson is whispering. Its the subtle delivery of his phrases that transcends the words beyond their literal meaning, finding a welcome place by blending into the tonal palette. While computers and guitar effects still play a large role in PanAmerican, the inclusion of flugelhorn and trumpet cause a warm collision between new and old, making Quiet City seem like a resurrection of lost memoirs finally seeing the light of day.
(Kranky)Pan·American
Quiet City
BY Darren EkePublished Jul 1, 2004