Shea Bartel - The Last Planetarium
By Archived Story
Posted in CD Reviews, Sound & Vision | No Comments
There are techno artists whose output sounds like nothing more than drum machines and synthesizers pounding out beats to keep the ecstasy-and-dance club crowd nodding. Then there are the actual musicians of the genre, whose work surprises even the most cynical listeners. Local musician Shea Bartel is a prime example of the latter.Following in the footsteps of electronica heroes The Books and Lemon Jelly, Bartel has crafted a concept album that’s nothing short of a joy to listen to. “The Last Planetarium” employs Bartel’s fluency in multiple instruments, as well as computer programs, to create songs similar to biology film soundtracks or tunes overheard in darkened rooms, glittering in man-made constellations.The CD, which came wrapped in a sheet of computer paper, is a surprising display of talent and originality. Bartel–a painting student at MCAD …



