Debut album from Cochrane

California-based producer, composer, musician, and artist Cochrane McMillan, known simply as Cochrane, is a true sonic alchemist, mixing highly original musical concoctions. His debut album, Sounds Like Science, is a stunning odyssey through the uncharted territories of electronic soundscapes.

Cochrane introduces us to his original sonic universe, a place where beats, loops and a fusion of organic and electronic instrumentation collide and coalesce into a sonic experience unlike anything else. This 9-track album, split into two discs, is a slick showcase of Cochrane’s fearless exploration of sound, production panache and his command of intricate musical arrangements.

Disc 1 opens with “Horizontal Transfer,” a track that immediately submerges the listener in an enigmatic atmosphere of stretched sonic textures. It’s an invitation into Cochrane’s world, a place where the boundaries of sound are pushed to their limits. As the song unfolds, it evolves into a mind-bending avant-garde composition, driven by a stuttering beat and rhythmic synth shots. The blissful interlude of a delicate groove, backed by acoustic guitar, is a moment of respite before the composition descends once more into the intense world of competing melodies and contrasting tones that somehow collide into a cohesive whole.

“Sponge Modeling 101” follows, casting a moody electronic atmosphere filled with fluttering sonic elements and a gentle beat. Cochrane demonstrates his ability to create a soundscape that completely wraps the listener, taking them on a journey through hazy sonic landscapes that pulse and evolve.

“Can’t Stay Home” kicks off with a grooving bass guitar line that immediately grabs your attention. As the track unfolds, intricate instrumental flourishes dance around the mix, creating an atmosphere that’s entirely hypnotic. Clocking in at a sprawling 10 minutes, it’s a sonic adventure that seamlessly blends acoustic and electronic elements into an immersive listening experience.

Disc two continues the exploration with “Hidden Variables,” a track that boasts shifting rhythms and a piano-driven arrangement. It’s a sonic tapestry that floats in an immersive soundscape of deep bass and hovering reverb, pulling the listener deeper into Cochrane’s sonic labyrinth. “Haus on Haus” begins with soothing clean guitar plucks, gradually building as bold piano notes and an array of synth tones join the mix. Cochrane deftly blends acoustic and electronic elements, creating an atmospheric and funk-inspired energy.

The album’s finale, “Gdp / Planck Length,” is a true magnum opus, a mesmerising sixteen-and-a-half-minute journey through an evolving sonic landscape. A snapping beat serves as the driving force, propelling the listener through a swirling ambience of soft synth tones that gradually intensify. It’s a sonic odyssey that weaves and swells, providing a breathtaking conclusion to Cochrane’s superb debut album.

Sounds Like Science is a debut that marks the arrival of a truly innovative sonic explorer in the sphere of experimental music. As we eagerly await Cochrane’s next sonic offering, his debut outing offers a compelling showcase of his artistic vision and creativity.

Listen to Sounds Like Science below