Jack Cooper’s previous incarnation was as part of the duo, ‘Ultimate Painting’. Under the pseudonym ‘Modern Nature’, the Blackpool-born musician has, since 2019, released an EP, a mini album (Annual), one full length LP, one 7” and three live cassettes.
Island of Noise is his most expansive and ambitious project to date. It will be released only as a deluxe double vinyl box set with a second companion LP titled Island Of Silence, described as an instrumental reimagining of the record. An accompanying booklet features the work of ten artists, including Booker-nominated poet Robin Robertson, mycologist Merlin Sheldrake, illustrator Sophy Hollington, musician Eugene Chadbourne and writer Richard King.
A re-reading of Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ was the catalyst for the project. Cooper wrote a quote from the play on his wall: “Be not afeard, the isle is full of noises.” This, he says, “summed up what I was thinking about at the time, from the nature of music, noise and silence, to the chaos and confusion that seemed impossible to navigate.”
Cooper sings, plays guitar, harmonium and trumpet as well as being credited as arranger, composer, engineer and producer. The contribution of saxophonist Evan Parker is fundamental to the jazz-tinged mood. Other musicians are pianist Alexander Hawkins, bassist John Edwards and violinist Alison Cotton who join long term collaborators Jeff Tobias and Jim Wallis.
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The reflective mood is very much akin to Nick Drake’s pastoral masterworks. It occasionally threatens to wilt under the weight of its melancholic seriousness but the tranquil beauty and rich lyricism makes it a worthwhile and enjoyable listen.
The ten tunes are relatively brief and a few more expansive moments would have been welcome. The total playing time is just over 38 minutes with the final song, Build, being, at 6:53, the longest. There are no obvious standout numbers so it best heard in its entirety to get the full measure of the interweaving textures.
Although born of improvisation and experimentation, quiet melodies are chosen ahead of wild freakouts. The result evokes the calm of sanctuary; ideal for moments for peaceful contemplation after storms have abated.
Modern Nature’s website
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