The Wake

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 by day–uses electric piano coupled with excited drum pulses to make peppy, upbeat rhythms on tracks like “Spirit Quest in the Delta Quadrant;” while the tune “Space is Warm at Night” utilizes subdued drums and saxophone sounds to produce eerie, haunting tones. The listener can’t help but recall elementary school trips to the science museum, the first time they saw 2001, or their long abandoned aspirations of space travel. The record’s cover art is equally space-aged, with modest sketches of stars, the moon rising, and a telescope aimed upward.

One thing’s for sure: the sky’s the only limit for this budding musician and artist.

Bartel can be contacted at